Mysuru: A ‘Nature Walk and Bird-Watching’ programme was organised at Kukkarahalli Lake yesterday by Wild Mysuru team for the students of Government High School, Vinayakanagar (Paduvarahalli).

Mysuru Deputy Commissioner Abhiram G. Sankar, who is also an avid bird-watcher and a wildlife enthusiast, was the resource person for the event. He is passionate towards nature-related subjects and it is for the first time such a programme was organised in city where the DC himself was the resource person.

Dressed in green T-shirt and grey chinos, Abhiram Sankar arrived at the Lake at 8 am and joined the Wild Mysuru team and students.

At the outset, the DC engaged the students with his informative and interactive talk. He then introduced the resident birds of the picturesque Kukkarahalli Lake to the students.

The students were shown different species of birds, butterflies and plants.The DC not only introduced the students to birding but also made them aware of the importance of nature conservation.

He mentioned both English and Kannada names of the birds and explained to them about the body structure of the birds, the difference between land and water birds, their nesting and breeding seasons, etc.

Later, students were taken on a long walk by the DC where he explained about the fragile ecosystem of the Lake, its flora and fauna and how the Lake attracts thousands of migratory birds every year. Some of the fish species in the Lake were explained and students were told about the delicate food  chain and the need to conserve the Lake. Over 25 students accompanied the DC in the Nature Walk.

Some students told the DC that they had come near the Lake for the very first time though their school was very near to the Lake.

They said that they were impressed with its beauty and rich biodiversity. It was a good learning experience to the students who enthusiastically made notes.