2025-10-18

A bird watching session was conducted at Meda Nellara with the students of St. Mary’s High School, Bharananganam, as part of the Wings of Awareness programme — an initiative of the Tropical Institute of Ecological Sciences (TIES) conceived and supported by Buimerc India Foundation. The programme aims to cultivate environmental curiosity and awareness among students, offering them hands-on experiences that help connect classroom learning with the living world around them. The project is implementing across 20 schools in Kottayam District, engaging around 1,000 students and 60 teachers.

Nestled within a wetland landscape rich in biodiversity, Meda Nellala provided the perfect setting for the activity. The area’s calm waters, dense vegetation, and open skies created a vibrant natural classroom filled with opportunities for discovery. The session was led by Mr. Sarath Babu, Nature Education Officer and Ornithology Expert at TIES, and Dr. Punnen Kurian, Director of TIES, who guided the students through an engaging exploration of the region’s birdlife.

The session began with a short orientation on the ethics of bird watching, where the trainers spoke about the importance of patience, quiet observation, and respect for wildlife. They also shared practical tips for identifying birds by their colours, calls, and flight patterns, encouraging students to observe keenly and take note of subtle details in the field.

As the group made their way through the wetland stretches of Meda Nellala, the students were introduced to a variety of fascinating species. Notable sightings included the Plum-headed Parakeet, Intermediate Egret, Tricoloured Munia, and the ever-active Red-vented Bulbul. Each encounter added excitement to the morning, as the trainers helped the students identify distinguishing features and shared interesting facts about the birds’ behaviours and habitats.

The smooth conduct of the session was supported by the school’s teacher coordinators, whose participation and guidance helped manage the students effectively and ensured that the activity ran seamlessly. Their encouragement and active involvement contributed significantly to the success of the event.

Through programs such as Wings of Awareness, TIES and Buimerc India Foundation nurture a vital appreciation for the natural world in young people. Their work inspires children to explore and observe nature's wonders, fostering a generation that understands and values the delicate harmony of our ecosystems.