2026-02-20

The hills of Ottupara, Erumeli, came alive with curiosity and colour as the first batch of top-performing students of the Wings of Awareness project stepped into the forest for an advanced bird watching session and nature walk. The initiative, implemented by the Tropical Institute of Ecological Sciences (TIES) conceived and supported by Buimerc India Foundation, marked a significant milestone in the students’ ecological learning journey.

Selected for their outstanding performance on the CROW App, students from A.K.J.M HSS Kanjirappally, Mary Matha Public School Edakkunnam, K.T.J.M HS Edamattom, St. Mary’s HSS Bharananganam, and St. George’s HS Manimala gathered at Ottupara for what would become a memorable immersion into forest biodiversity.

The session began with a focused briefing on field discipline by naturalist Ajayan Kumar M.N., setting the tone for responsible and scientific observation. As a mark of recognition, the students were presented with T-shirts and caps sponsored by Buimerc India Foundation — a proud symbol of their achievement and commitment.

Led by experts Sarath Babu and Ajayan Kumar M.N., the group ventured into the forest landscape. Dr. Punnen Kurian, Director of TIES, joined the session alongside Project Officer Suhaana and Project Intern Vinodini S., reinforcing the collaborative spirit of the programme. Teacher Suresh Babu from A.K.J.M HSS Kanjirappally and several parents accompanied the students, strengthening the community’s involvement in environmental learning.

What followed was an engaging exploration of a habitat distinctly different from the students’ usual surroundings. The forest revealed its treasures generously. With keen eyes and growing confidence, the students identified nearly 33 forest bird species, including the striking Scarlet Minivet, the majestic Malabar Grey Hornbill, the endemic Malabar Parakeet, and the delicate Asian Brown Flycatcher and Heart Spotted woodpecker. Their enthusiasm was evident as field observations turned into meaningful learning moments.

Beyond bird identification, the experience fostered ecological sensitivity. In a thoughtful gesture of environmental responsibility, the students and participants collectively cleaned plastic waste from the area, leaving the forest healthier than they found it.

The day concluded with breakfast and refreshments, shared amid conversations of sightings and discoveries. More than just a field trip, the session served as a fitting reward and culmination of the students’ journey in Wings of Awareness—transforming digital observations into real-world ecological engagement.

At Ottupara, learning took flight—not just in the skies above, but in the minds of young conservationists ready to carry forward the message of awareness and stewardship.