Sharjah24 – AFP: Tucked away east of Sudan's capital Khartoum, a sanctuary of lush green vegetation has been a haven for dozens of exotic birds from far and wide.
Yehia, 45, set up the huge caged aviary in his house's front yard four years ago, and has handcrafted dozens of birdhouses.
He created a habitat of trees, adding a garden pond and mist nozzles for cooling off against Sudan's scorching heat.
Over 100 birds of 13 different species currently inhabit the reserve.
Ring-necked parakeet, rosella birds, as well as Meyers and red-rumped parrots flit across branches and compete over birdhouses in the reserve.
Yehia says his favourite is an African grey parrot who answers to the name "Kuku" and has a knack for mimicking human sounds and movements as well.
Sudanese and foreign visitors are allowed to drop in for two to three hours a day only.
Business, however, has been impacted since an October military coup that has triggered regular mass protests met by a violent crackdown.
Visits often get called off on protest days as streets are blocked, making it hard to move around the capital.
Yehia has also been grappling with increasing expenses in Sudan, where the local currency has plummeted against the dollar, and food and fuel prices have soared.
To visitors, the reserve is a welcome break from the hustle and bustle of Khartoum.
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