Raising Young Naturalists: Jetwing Junior’s Birdwatching Adventure

In November 2025, Jetwing Eco Holidays proudly concluded a special Expert-Guided Birdwatching & Kids Activity Day under its Jetwing Junior initiative, held within the tranquil wetlands of Diyasaru Park in Thalawathugoda.

Designed to introduce children to the wonders of nature in a way that is both engaging and educational, the event offered young participants the opportunity to explore one of Colombo’s most important urban wetland habitats alongside one of Sri Lanka’s most respected naturalists, Suchithra Hettiarachchi, fondly known as Hetti.

Learning to Listen to Nature

With over three decades of field experience, Hetti is renowned for his exceptional ability to identify birds by call, often long before they are seen. As the group gently moved through the park’s boardwalks and trails, children were encouraged to slow down, listen carefully, and observe patiently. Despite a steady drizzle of rain, excitement remained high as Hetti helped the children track and locate a variety of wetland bird species, explaining their behaviour, calls, and distinguishing features in a way that was easy for young minds to understand.

What could have been a challenge quickly became part of the adventure. The rain added to the atmosphere and reinforced the idea that nature does not always follow a script, and that some of the most memorable wildlife encounters happen when conditions are less than perfect.

From Observation to Imagination

As the rain intensified, the session continued within one of Diyasaru Park’s beautifully rustic shelters. Here, Hetti shared stories and insights about rare and highly sought-after bird sightings from the areas surrounding the park, sparking curiosity and imagination among the children.

The experience then shifted from observation to creativity. During a bird-painting session, the children brought their encounters to life by illustrating birds they had just seen, or their favourite species they dream of spotting one day. The shelter soon filled with colour, laughter, and the quiet pride that comes from learning something new and expressing it creatively.

Inspiring the Next Generation

Jetwing Junior is an initiative by Jetwing Eco Holidays created with a clear purpose. It aims to give the younger generation meaningful opportunities to connect with nature in ways that are fun, immersive, and educational. At its heart lies a belief that fostering an early appreciation for wildlife and natural ecosystems is essential to building a future generation that cares deeply about conservation.

As Sri Lankans, we are fortunate to inherit a land rich in biodiversity, from wetlands and forests to oceans and grasslands. Learning to appreciate, protect, and responsibly showcase these natural gifts to the world is a responsibility we believe should begin early in life.

Looking Ahead

Events such as this birdwatching and activity day at Diyasaru Park are just the beginning. Jetwing Eco Holidays looks forward to creating many more Jetwing Junior experiences that encourage curiosity, creativity, and respect for the natural world.

We extend our sincere thanks to the parents who entrusted us with this experience and gave their children the opportunity to learn, explore, and be inspired. We look forward to welcoming these young nature enthusiasts, along with many more, at future Jetwing Junior events.