The 2004 documentary, The Wild Parrots of Telegraph Hill, received rave reviews. In the film we are introduced to a flock of cherry-headed conures (and a blue-headed one), who gather around San Francisco’s Telegraph Hill.

Mark Bittner, at the time a frustrated, homeless musician, is led on a quest to explore nature, and discovers the parrot flock and their individual personalities. The relationship that he develops with his colorful companions changes Mark’s life forever.

Mark Bittner's book, which came out the same year and has the same title, made the New York Times best-seller list, is widely available wherever books are sold.   If you would like to purchase a copy signed and personalized by the author, you can order the book from San Francisco’s independent bookseller, A Clean Well-Lighted Place for Books. Indicate how you would like the book personalized.

The DVD version of The Wild Parrots of Telegraph Hill is now available for pre-order at the Pelican Media store.

If you'd like to send a contribution toward the enhancement and upkeep of "parrot habitat" in San Francisco, there is a new fund that has just been set up at a local nonprofit land trust, so your donation is tax-deductible. Please make checks payable to and mail to:

Northeast San Francisco Conservancy
470 Columbus Avenue, #211
San Francisco, CA 94133
Note that your contribution is for the "Wild Parrot Habitat Fund."


Photos: Mark Bittner