Migratory Birds

BIRDS OF THE SAME FEATHER FLOCK TOGETHER….

Do birds predict the changes in climate? Do birds have homes to rest during rains? Do birds sing to one another? Why do birds travel together ?

These were some of the questions asked by our eager bird watchers from grade 3 as they accompanied Mr. Sivakumar Hariharan, Bird watcher of Besant Nagar a prolific expert in this field, today morning. This was one of the many bird walks they have been doing this year.

So, why bird walking?

Birds are unique creatures whether in flight or stationery. They exhibit beauty and grace which when watched through naked eye or through binoculars gives immense pleasure to the watcher besides enriching him with knowledge of Ornithology, Science and Nature. Bird watching is good sport too these days and helps in improving general health because it involves walking along marshes and waterways which are a major source of fresh air. Bird watchers improve their concentration, observation skills and aesthetic sense when they keenly observe these beautiful birds for a long time. These are the reasons why bird watching has been inculcated into our curriculum activities.

Over 100 resident and migratory bird species have been recorded so far in this stretch land of marshes near our school campus. The habitat consists of fresh/saline water bodies, reed beds, mud flats and floating vegetation.

Resident bird species include purple swamphen, common moorhen, pheasant-tailed jacana, purple heron, black-winged stilt, common coot, spot-billed duck, spot-billed pelican, prinias, common kingfisher, pied kingfisher, pied crested cuckoo, white-breasted kingfisher and grey heron.

Raptors like shikra, black-shouldered kite, black kite, red-necked falcon, marsh harrier, Montague's harrier and booted eagle can also be seen here.

During wintering months thousands of waders and migratory ducks fill the marsh, which becomes a paradise for bird watchers like our students.

The little egret (Egretta garzetta) most common wader near our school in its uncommon plumage!

The Glossy ibis (Plegadis falcinellus) is a wading bird ....a resident bird seen around our school.

The black-tailed godwit (Limosa limosa). Its breeding range stretches from Iceland through Europe and areas of central Asia.

After they watch the birds , the students are given an explanation in our ICT lab about the unique features of the birds watched and asked to share their experience in front of their class. They fill in worksheets where they write in their feedback and knowledge earned. They edit the photographs taken during their bird walk in their DT classes.

More than anything ,the richest experience we get at the end of this activity is the pure joy we see on the kids‘ faces ….their toothy smiles say it all.