Online school – loved by some, hated by others. The one thing most students could agree on was that the absence of school field trips during the COVID-19 pandemic made learning feel especially different. Well, the M2 grade level was lucky to be able to go on one of the first field trips since COVID closed the school down.
On the 19th of April, accompanied by selected teacher chaperones and the Camping Azerbaijan team, M2 students made their way by bus to Absheron National Park.
The invitation to come was kindly extended by Camping Azerbaijan, specifically an organization within it called Ecofront. The TAN Animal Welfare group had been working with Ecofront for some time, coming together to address issues concerning endangered birds in Azerbaijan. Angel Nwolisa from the group described Ecofront as, “an environmental initiative group working to find sustainable alternatives to protect biodiversity.” The group, in order to raise awareness for Ecofront, made the decision to fundraise for them. She described the different events that took place as a result of their campaign, saying, “Our first activity was indoor board games. Later, we raised awareness during the winter fair with an Ecofront representative. After that we had another indoor board games activity, and we also sold shawarma and donuts twice.” The group successfully raised over 500 manat for Ecofront, surpassing their initial goal. Due to this unexpectedly large accomplishment, the organization invited the whole M2 grade level to Absheron National Park for a birdwatching field trip.
So, on the morning of April 19th, M2 students gathered in the courtyard to take attendance and prepare for the long journey ahead. It was quite a trip, as they were traveling to the very edge of the Absheron Peninsula.
After arrival at the first destination, they were given an introduction to birdwatching and told about the bird migration in Azerbaijan. According to Baku Magazine, around 300 species of birds pass through the country annually as they make their journey around the globe. Some of these species would later be spotted by M2 students.
From there, they made their way through the scratchy grass to reach the first observation point, where they used their binoculars and observed quite a few birds. Later, a dead snake was found – the excitement that followed made everyone huddle together to take a look.
After some time testing out the binoculars and exploring the area, the M2 students and chaperones made their way back to the bus to drive out to the main destination, where everyone took a break to eat some lunch. Other than the food students and staff brought for themselves, tea was served in traditional Azerbaijani Armudu tea glasses.
From here, the trek was made to the second observation point. This area was closer to the sea and many more birds were spotted. Here was also where perhaps the most memorable thing to come of this trip happened. Not knowing that what looked like wet sand was actually mud that you could sink right into, people started walking out towards the sea and ultimately getting stuck. Some were luckier than others and only got a little muddy, but some people’s shoes were entirely covered in mud to the point where the shoe wasn’t visible. Once the buzz of the moment was over, the students were ready to make their way back.
After drinking some more tea (and, for some, washing their shoes and legs), the group jumped back on the bus and was ready to return to TISA.
It’s safe to say that, despite the many ruined shoes that day, the field trip was a large success. Other than the knowledge gained, it gave students a better sense of normalcy with the return to school.
The M2 students learned quite a few things; they found out a lot about various plant and bird species, but most importantly, they will always think twice before walking on seemingly safe “sand.”
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