Transformed Rooftop into Avian Sanctuary: Chennai Duo Creates Aviary Haven
A Bird-Lover's Haven in Chennai
Meet Sudarson and Vithiya, a Chennai couple who have been turning their terrace into a bird haven for over fifteen years. Fed up with the city's lack of greenery, they dedicated themselves to feeding parrots, pigeons, doves, and house sparrows, transforming their home into an avian oasis visited by foreigners, celebrities, and locals alike.
"My parrots call me Sudarson," Sudarson shared with ANI, recalling how it all began after his father's passing. One day, he found hungry parrots scavenging for food in a city overrun by deforestation. Compelled to help, he began offering daily meals, and the word quickly spread, attracting more and more birds.
Initially offering sunflower seeds, Sudarson soon discovered that his South Indian rose-ringed parrots had a discerning palate. Now, he cooks a blend of raw groundnuts, soaked rice, and seasonal fruits fresh every day, drawing thousands of visitors from December to March, when over 15,000 parrots gather on his terrace[3].
During summer, the numbers shrink to around 1,000 to 2,000, but exotic visitors from Sweden, Switzerland, and England still flock to the terrace, eager to witness this extraordinary sight[3]. Sudarson takes great care in welcoming and accommodating them, even booking appointments for tourists[2].
Every evening, around 100-150 people visit the couple, marveling at the scene and leaving feeling uplifted. Children particularly love the terrace, making it a popular summer vacation spot. The couple's unique service has earned them internet fame—a simple Google search for "Parrots Sudarson" generates a wealth of results[4].
Sudarson and Vithiya continue their daily feeding routine, sourcing food for the birds in their bid to fill the gap left by the city's dwindling tree population[1]. Their sanctuary serves as a crucial habitat for the birds and offers solace to nature enthusiasts seeking a break from urban life.
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*(Enrichment Data: [1] "Improving Urban Habitats for Birds: The Chennai Couple Feeding Thousands," The Hindu, August 24, 2022. URL: https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/chennai/improving-urban-habitats-for-birds-the-chennai-couple-feeding-thousands/article66086796.ece [2] "Terrace Feeding Birds Isn't Just A Hobby For This Chennai Couple," The Better India, July 17, 2018. URL: https://www.thebetterindia.com/191405/chennai-couple-taking-care-of-thousands-of-birds-feeding-them-everyday-on-their-rooftop/ [3] "Chennai's Sudarson and Vithiya: Turning Their Terrace into a Bird Haven," The New Indian Express, January 19, 2022. URL: https://www.newindianexpress.com/cities/chennai/2022/jan/19/chennais-sudarson-and-vithiya-turning-their-terrace-into-a-bird-haven-2429584.html [4] "This Chennai Couple Turned Their Rooftop into a Bird Heaven," India.com, July 14, 2017. URL: https://www.india.com/lifestyle/health-wellness/this-chennai-couple-turned-their-rooftop-into-a-bird-haven-2445948/)
In the heart of Chennai, Sudarson and Vithiya have transformed their home into a unique home-and-garden haven, attracting a variety of birds and nature enthusiasts alike. Their terrace, now famous as a bird sanctuary, provides essential habitat for numerous parrots and hosts visitors from across the globe, showcasing a thriving urban lifestyle intertwined with nature.
