2026-10-29

Students at St. Antony's HS Plassanal experienced environmental science firsthand during an engaging outdoor birdwatching session organized under the “Wings of Awareness” initiative—a joint nature education project led by the Tropical Institute of Ecological Sciences (TIES) and the Buimerc India Foundation.

A total of 44 students gathered in the lush, open spaces surrounding the school grounds to learn the fundamentals of field ornithology. Guided by expert resource person Mr. Ajaya Kumara M. N., the young participants were trained to spot different bird species, observe flight characteristics, and recognize distinct bird calls within their familiar school environment. Ms. Nissa Mariam, Communication Officer, TIES, accompanied the students during the field session.

Despite limiting their survey to the immediate campus surroundings, the students successfully identified 14 distinct avian species, including the Black-rumped Flameback, Jungle Owlet, Shikra, Cattle Egret, Asian Tit (Black Tit), Pigeon, Barbet, Indian Pond Heron, Swallow, Common Myna, Rufous Treepie, Greater Coucal, and Large-billed Crow.

The event received strong support from the school's leadership and teaching staff. Headmaster Jameskutty Kurian, along with faculty members Simi Joseph, Shymol Jacob, Anice Mathew, Sachin Philip, and Sr. Vineetha, provided logistical support and accompanied the students throughout the session.

By transforming the school surroundings into an interactive living laboratory, the workshop successfully encouraged students to observe, appreciate, and develop a deeper interest in local avian diversity and its conservation.