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. "I wanted to create an ideal environment that simulates their natural habitat," says Akram Yehia, owner of the Marshall Nature Reserve which covers 400 square metres (4,300 square feet). 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. IMAGES AND SOUNDBITES