Bhubaneswar, Feb. 19: A group of nature enthusiasts will take birdwatching to schools to create awareness among children about biodiversity.

The Bhubaneswar Bird Walks (BBW) will organise field trips and classroom interactions for children at least once a fortnight through bird clubs or nature clubs. In the process, the children will not only be able to identify birds, but also be made aware about their habitats and other things related to the winged beauties.

"We will also hold essay competitions for children on topics related to nature, conservation, and biodiversity, so that the children read these subjects in order to become aware of the need to preserve our natural heritage," said BBW founder Panchami Manoo Ukil.

"In these times of mindless destruction and depletion of natural resources, the onus lies on the future generations to be aware of what they are losing and what they must do to retrieve the situation that is worsening with each passing day," she said.

The bird clubs will be committed to create awareness among schoolchildren so that a new generation of young "green warriors" come up. The BBW will shortly be co-ordinating with city schools to implement the plans in this regard.

"Watching birds enables communion with nature and environment. With the birds, one gradually gets an idea about trees, flowers, water, earth and the sky as well. The skills of hearing and vision are sharpened when you go out looking for birds, while the virtues of patience and tolerance also get developed. You have to move carefully so as not to disturb nature's harmony," said BBW member Satya Mishra.

"I will be happy to be part of the bird club as I have a liking for photography and I want to become a wildlife photographer," said Neelam Mohanty, a student of DAV Public School, Pokhariput.

The BBW is the first community bird watching initiative in the state. It is a group of amateur birdwatchers - which began community bird watching in the city about two years ago. Now, after 50 bird walks around the city, more than 220 species of birds have been recorded by nearly 100 birdwatchers in the group.

These bird walks have lad to extensive observation and research of the bird species that abound in the city habitats in spite of the loss of tree cover. The bird walks see enthusiastic participation by nature lovers cutting across age barriers. Seasoned birdwatchers and experienced ornithologists of the state are members of the group. They congregate every Sunday morning to watch birds and enjoy nature.

People like Mishra think that through bird watching, students will learn about nature and its intricacies. They will also learn the importance of conserving the environment.