April 6, 1999
We care Birds of a feather Watching birds is a popular pastime for many Thai youngsters. Now, thanks to help from one expert,handicapped children can take part too Somkid Chaijitvanit Because of its eco-friendly and enjoyable nature, birdwatching has long been a popular pastime for both adults and youngsters. New clubs and informal groups have sprung up to join old ones, and both day trips and overnight tours are regularly organised. Having a hard time catching up with this trend, however, were handicapped youngsters. Today, though, they have the chance to take part, thanks to a project by an ornithologist, Associate Professor Dr Manee Archawaranon. Tucked in one corner of Ramkhamhaeng University's Bang Na campus is a walk-in aviary, 16 x 30 metres in size. Here, in the four-metre-tall cage filled with tropical rainforest plants, over 100 birds from about 50 species fly about. Among them: the Stripe-throated Bulbul, White-rumped Shama, Common koel, Spotted dove, Thick-billed pigeon, Purple swamp hen and White-crested Laughing thrush. "We built the aviary to give underprivileged youngsters, such as poor or handicapped children, the chance to enjoy birdwatching," said Dr Manee, 47, whose successful research and year-round breeding programme for hill mynahs in captivity made headline news last year. "It's both difficult and expensive, especially for the latter group, to see birds in the wild. "In 1995 we set up the Biological Research Unit For Wildlife and Nature Conservation on a four-rai plot within the Bang Na campus to breed the mynahs in captivity," said the PhD graduate in Ornithology. "After we succeeded in breeding the mynahs, we decided to extend the project to breed other species of Thai birds, especially those near extinction."Along with the aim of conserving indigenous birds came the idea to help underprivileged youngsters enjoy the Kingdom's natural legacy. With the support of the university, Dr Manee formed the "Save Thai Birds For Kids Project" last September. With 200,000 baht of her own money, a large aviary made of pine wood and wire was built in the research compound. Entering through the aviary's double-doors, visitors can stroll along a path that takes them through a jungle-like garden, with a pond in one corner. Dr Manee's right-hand assistant Pornchai Wongwasana helped in the design and landscaping of the aviary. Next, came the task of recruiting and training volunteers to help as guides and group leaders. "We posted a notice around the [Bang Na] campus, asking for 30 people. The volunteers would receive no stipend, just food on the day they work," said Dr Manee. To her surprise and delight, over 70 students applied within two weeks. "Although we first envisioned 10 leaders, we ended up with 30!" recalled Dr Manee. Meanwhile, the ornithologist called the headmasters of various local schools, inviting them to send students to participate in the project. When the aviary was completed in early February, it welcomed the first group of visitors for a day of activities-30 Prathom 4 to 6 students from a neighbourhood school. The second group-30 Mathayom 1 students from an area nearby-followed suit the next weekend. "All the kids got excited. They wanted to learn more about these birds. We also have binoculars for them. Some competed with their friends to look for certain species," said Dr Manee. "Unlike simply seeing birds in the zoo, here we also have activities for them."The third group of visitors-29 handicapped students from the Prachabodi 1 School attached to the Pak Kret Home for Handicapped Children-visited the aviary one Wednesday in the middle of last month. "Normally we hold our activities at weekends, but it was more convenient for the school to come mid-week," recalled Dr Manee. After being welcomed, the youngsters were divided into three groups. Each took turns either viewing a slide presentation, or watching birds both outside and inside the aviary. To complete all three activities took each group about two hours. "The slide presentation shows the children how to observe birds; their different features, flying patterns, and cries," said Dr Manee. "Most children are fascinated by the beauty of birds. Also they love to hear parrots and mynahs talk."After lunch, each group rotated through three activities-drawing birds, making origami birds, and making luke chub (a Thai sweet made of flour) in bird shape. The activities take place in the unit's office or a sala outside. Taking a break from colouring a bird-shaped luke chub, was Mai Iamnawk, 18, who is missing the lower part of his left leg. "My luke chub was inspired by a Nok ee-khong [Purple Swamp hen]," he said. "This morning, I saw them walking in a row in the aviary. They're so neat! I've never seen birds this close."Hovering nearby to guide him and others in the group was Dr Manee's 16-year-old daughter, Panunnaporn. On a raised platform near the aviary, Pathai Boonrawd, 14, a Prathom 3 student with a digestive system problem, was filling in the colours of his Nok Iang Ngon (Crested mynah). "This is my first time birdwatching!" he enthused. "I really like the hill mynahs and Nok Ging Krong [Black-collared starling]. I'd love to keep a bird, but my teachers would probably say no."Among the volunteers helping the youngsters enjoy the activities was Nittaya Klaithongkham, 21, a second-year Economics major. "It's my third time as volunteer for the project," she said. "It's always exciting! I want the youngsters to enjoy themselves so they want to return. The trick, I've found, is to be like a friend, to blend in."The group's teachers seemed as delighted and stimulated by the day's activities as the youngsters. "Our students had a good time," said Prachabodi 1 School headmistress Payao Bangpon, who came along to observe. "Some of them displayed skills we didn't know they had. For example, several draw well and others showed how well they could concentrate while making the luke chub birds. "The day has given us ideas for new activities," added Ms Payao. After the afternoon activities, the group had a snack and then spent half an hour writing a short essay on their impressions of the day. Then every student was presented with a certificate. "This is a souvenir as well as an encouragement for the children," said Dr Manee. "We hope to use these birds as a medium to teach youngsters to share, to learn to be kind and to be sensitive to other animals."When their volunteers are ready, the project will add an overnight programme for the young visitors, said Dr Manee. "Those of us who get bored with keeping birds shouldn't just let them out. These birds won't survive in the city on their own. Please donate unwanted birds to our aviary. We take in only indigenous species, however, so youngsters will learn about Thai birds." Info fordonations: *Name of Project: Save Thai Birds for Kids Project. *Contact person: Arunlak Seemapan. *Address: The Research and Development Institute, Ramkhamhaeng University. *Telephone and fax: 319-2095. Alternatively, send your cheques payable to Post Publishing Public Company Limited (For "Save Thai Birds for Kids Project") to Mrs Kusuma Mintakhin, Editorial Manager, 136 Na Ranong Road, off Sunthorn Kosa, Klong Toey, Bangkok 10110. Tel. 240-3700 ext 3224-5. Please also attach your name and address with your cheque so we can send you a receipt. Note: In addition to money, food and beverages , the project also welcomes donations of healthy indigenous birds and volunteers. *"We Care" is a weekly series honouring people who believe in giving. You can show you care by supporting the projects featured here each week. You can also let us know about people who selflessly help others so we can honour them in these pages. Fax "We Care" on 240-3666, or call 240-3700 ext 3208 or 3212. 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