Flock Yeah! Meet Chennai’s Birdman Who Turned His Terrace Into a Parrot Haven

In the bustling heart of Chennai, where the city’s chaos rises with the sun, a quiet ritual unfolds each morning, one that brings a sense of peace to both man and bird alike. As the clock strikes 6:30 AM, thousands of rose-ringed parakeets swoop down in perfect unison, their emerald wings gleaming under the golden light. Their destination? A modest terrace in Chintadripet, where Sudarson Sah, fondly known as the Birdman of Chennai, awaits them with 20 kilograms of soaked rice and 4 kilograms of groundnuts.

This isn’t a one-off occurrence or a viral internet moment; it’s a labour of love that has played out every single day for 15 years. Alongside his wife, Vithya, Sudarson has created a haven for these birds, turning his home into a sanctuary for over 16,000 parrots, 50 stray cats, dogs, about 150 goats and many feathered friends daily. But the journey to becoming Chennai’s Birdman wasn’t planned; it was born out of personal loss and a search for peace.

From Grief to Gratitude

Fifteen years ago, Sudarson was a man battling grief. After the passing of his father, he found himself lost in the depths of depression. One day, as he stood on his terrace, aimlessly observing the world below, he saw a neighbour feeding a crow. That small act of kindness struck a chord, and the next morning, he decided to try it himself. He placed some rice on his terrace and waited. Crows arrived.

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Motivated by the initial success, he continued feeding the birds daily, soon attracting not only crows but also parakeets, pigeons, and other winged visitors. As the flocks grew, so did Sudarson’s understanding of their needs. Parrots enjoyed boiled rice, pigeons found peanuts challenging, and crows ate anything. He refined his feeding methods through experimentation and research, driven by a new purpose, to nurture and protect the birds that visited his terrace. With each passing day, his dedication grew, leading him to invest time in understanding the diverse dietary needs of these birds. His efforts transformed into a mission to support and protect them, especially during the harsh seasons when food and shelter are scarce.

A Daily Routine Like No Other

Every day at 4:30 AM, while the rest of Chennai still sleeps, Sudarson is already hard at work. He soaks 40 kilograms of rice for about an hour, preparing it to feed an ever-growing flock of birds. Once the rice is ready, he spreads it across his terrace along with 4 kilograms of groundnuts, ensuring the birds get their fill. The feeding spree kicks off sharply at 6:30 AM, when rose-ringed parakeets swoop in by the thousands, eager to gobble up the rice and peanuts. It’s not just parrots that feast here; Sudarson has created a haven for pigeons, crows, and even some stray animals who wander in.

He is there to greet them, ensuring that every bird gets its share. The soaked rice is crucial, as it helps the birds take in enough water, especially since they consume very little on their own. The rose-ringed parakeets, with their bright green feathers, red beaks, and loud squawks, treat the terrace like their own little restaurant.

How much does this massive operation cost per day? Sudarson estimates daily expenses between INR 1,000 and INR 2,000, which would cover a luxury car’s monthly EMI. But despite the financial strain, he has no regrets. In fact, his commitment is unwavering, even in the face of challenges.

A Community Effort

While Sudarson may be the face of this incredible project, he doesn’t do it alone. His wife, Vithya, has been by his side for years, supporting him in this daily task. They are also supported by neighbours and even strangers who pitch in, some bringing rice, some groundnuts, and others offering their time. Thanks to Instagram, where Sudarson shares videos of bird feeding, his mission has gone international. Visitors from across the globe have stopped by to witness the magic, contributing what they can to keep the birds fed. It’s become a community-driven effort, with people from all walks of life coming together to support the cause.

A Popular Local and International Phenomenon

What started as a local effort has turned into an international sensation. People from all over the world now travel to Chennai to witness Sudarson’s incredible work firsthand. He’s gained a global following on social media, with Instagram being the primary platform for sharing his daily rituals. His terrace is a place of pilgrimage for nature lovers, animal advocates, and curious travellers who want to see how one man’s compassion can change the lives of so many animals.

But Sudarson’s sanctuary is not just about birds, it’s become a cultural landmark. His home has been featured in multiple films, including Meiyazhagan, Singapore Salon, and several short films, all of which were shot here due to the tranquil, serene atmosphere he’s created. His terrace, with its calm, quiet surroundings, has become a sought-after location for filmmakers who want to capture a slice of peace amidst the chaos of city life.

A Place of Feathers, Fur, and Serenity

If you ever find yourself in Chennai, be sure to witness this remarkable sanctuary. Sudarson has dedicated his life to the welfare of his animals, a commitment that leaves no room for travel or breaks. However, his home is always open to those who are willing to lend a hand, whether it’s with rice, groundnuts, or just a bit of goodwill.

This is not a casual stop-by kind of experience. To witness the magic firsthand, you can visit Sudarson at No.2, Iyya Mudali Street, Chintadripet; however, appointments are mandatory. For more information, reach out to Sudarson at 9042048481 or connect with him on Instagram at @sudarsonsah.