In the heart of Chennai, a couple has quietly transformed their terrace into a haven for thousands of birds, capturing the admiration of locals, tourists, and environmentalists alike.
For over 16 years, Sudarson and his wife Vithiya have been feeding parrots, pigeons, doves, and house sparrows daily, turning their home into a breathtaking sanctuary. What started as a small act of compassion after Sudarson’s father passed away has grown into a full-fledged phenomenon.
“My parrots call me Sudarson,” he told media with a smile, recalling the day he found hungry birds on the terrace. “So many trees were cut down, they had nowhere to go. I started placing food for them morning and evening — and they kept coming.”
A Daily Ritual of Love
The couple prepares fresh food every day — raw groundnuts, soaked rice, and seasonal fruits — carefully suited to the dietary habits of South Indian rose-ringed parrots.
“They don’t eat sunflower seeds,” Sudarson explained. “We had to learn their preferences and now we cook for them like family.”
A Seasonal Spectacle
From December to March, the terrace becomes a vibrant sea of green feathers — with over 15,000 parrots gathering at its peak. During summer, the number drops to 1,000–2,000, but the magic remains.
“Foreign tourists book appointments in January — people from Sweden, Switzerland, and the UK. They say they’ve never seen anything like it,” he said.
A Global Attraction
Visitors from around the world — including celebrities and nature lovers — make their way to the couple’s home. Though mornings are reserved for the birds alone, the evening sessions attract 100–150 people, especially children during summer vacations.
“If you search ‘Parrots Sudarson’ on Google, you’ll find us,” he said proudly. “People say they feel a wave of positivity after visiting.”
A Response to Urban Deforestation
As urban expansion continues to shrink Chennai’s green cover, Sudarson and Vithiya see their work as a moral responsibility.
“With more than 10,000 trees cut, we had to step up. This is our way of giving back — to the birds and to nature.”
What began as a humble gesture has now become a beacon of hope and inspiration. Their terrace is not just a shelter for birds — it’s a living example of peaceful coexistence in an increasingly concrete world.