Delhi Teen Turns Terrace Into Jungle, Spots 100+ Birds

While his classmates vacationed abroad, Aman Sharma spent school breaks birdwatching in India's national parks. Those childhood trips sparked a passion that would transform a bare Delhi rooftop into a wildlife haven.

At 13, Sharma started watching birds from his balcony, spotting 25 to 30 species during just an hour or two. When friends and teachers didn't believe him, he grabbed his mom's camera to capture proof.

That skepticism revealed something surprising. Most people in Delhi had no idea these birds existed right outside their windows.

So at 14, Sharma and two friends created the Cuckoo About Nature Club. Unlike traditional birding groups led by adults, this one is run by young people for young people. The club has grown into India's largest youth birding community, taking kids on walks through parks near Delhi.

During the 2020 lockdowns, Sharma couldn't visit his favorite jungles. He turned his attention to the family's 1,500-square-foot terrace, which had been storing construction equipment.

After researching native plants, he began collecting cuttings from Delhi's forests and neighborhoods. Today, more than 500 plants cover the rooftop. Fruiting trees like guava and pomegranate attract birds, while milkweed and lemon trees draw butterflies. Flowering plants bring in bees.

The results speak for themselves. Sharma has spotted over 100 bird species from his urban jungle.

Why This Inspires

Sharma's rooftop proves that cities can be wildlife sanctuaries when we make small changes. His approach is simple: plant native species, provide water, and let nature do the rest. Butterflies need host plants where they can lay eggs. Birds need fruiting trees. Bees need flowers.

The bigger transformation happened in how young people see their city. Kids who joined his birding walks discovered that Delhi isn't a concrete desert. It's home to hundreds of bird species most residents never notice.

Now studying environmental studies in the U.S., Sharma has spoken at the United Nations General Assembly and serves as Nikon's youngest ambassador for urban wildlife awareness. Through his NGO Re-Earth, he tackles climate issues while showing others how to create green spaces.

His advice cuts through the complexity: "Young people need to stop waiting for heroes and be the hero themselves."

One teenager, one rooftop, and 500 plants are proving that anyone can create an oasis for urban wildlife.

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