The Wild Parrots of Telegraph Hill

Judy Irving's Film Captures the Essence of Human-NonHuman Relations

Oct 12, 2009

A free-spirited Mark Bittner studies a flock of wild parrots near his home on Telegraph Hill and learns about much more than just parrots; he learns about life itself.

Filmmaker Judy Irving's documentary follows the fortunes of a flock of wild parrots and the man who learns to love them. Mark Bittner, a local long-haired bohemian, lives up several flights of steps on Telegraph Hill in a small apartment overlooking the San Francisco Bay. Hoping for a career as a musician, Mark plays his guitar, but finds his most appreciative audience in the injured parrots he brings into his apartment to nurture until they can be returned to the wild. The parrots have captured Mark's heart as he learns that each wild bird has a unique personality, markings, and behavioral traits. He discovers bravery, kindness and affection among them and begins developing relationships with some of the birds who come to feed from his hand on his porch. While most people never even notice the wildlife around them, Mark is seduced into their world. He begins to journal what he is learning, and he is changed forever.

Judy Irving Investigates the Human-Non-Human Bond

This beautiful, touching film displays what most humans fail to see: the complex world of personhood of each wild bird. Mark calls it the "cruel nonsense" of human anthropocentricism, meaning that we humans see everything through the lens of humanism, missing entirely the individuality of other non-human species. He experiences a deep loss when one of his birds, Tupelo, becomes ill and Mark has to admit that he feels love for the birds, despite downplaying his attachment for fear of being labeled an eccentric. People begin coming to Telegraph Hill to see the birds and talk to Mark about them. Mark slowly becomes involved in their welfare amid City politics. When he is evicted from his home due to reconstruction of the building, an article is written about Mark's work with the birds. Le Monde in Paris, the BBC in London and national newspapers begin voicing concern for the birds. Mark has his 15 minutes of fame.

The Wild Parrots: A Documentary about Tropical Birds in the City By the Bay

No one seemed to know for sure how a block of wild parrots came to exist about San Francisco. There was enough for them to eat, but the climate was not always conducive to their longevity. Yet the flock was not only surviving, but flourishing and expanding. There are numerous legends that have developed, from them escaping from ships or pet stores, or being voluntarily released from individual homes. Mark began learning about their breeding habits and witnessed the investment of the parrot parents in their young, usually staying with them for at least a year; he fiercely protected their habitats and locations so that they could avoid human destruction. Wild parrots, normally at home in warm tropical climates, had somehow learned to survive in the urban jungle of San Francisco. Mark himself is learning to survive in the same environment as the flock.

This is not a film for people who like thunderous action, but there is no shortage of drama. There is the parakeet that leads the flock for awhile, the blue-headed parrot among the red-headed parrots that has unique role in aiding the outcasts of the flock. The photography in this film is gorgeous, with bright blue skies behind brilliant green parrots. The greenery of the City is often seen with the San Francisco Bay or Alcatraz in the background, enough to make you want to pack your bags and head to the West Coast. While there is poignancy as Mark prepares to leave his hillside digs, the ending will have you grinning. One of the best films ever for displaying the complexity of non-human animals. If possible, be sure to watch all the Extras. This one is not be missed.

The copyright of the article The Wild Parrots of Telegraph Hill in Documentary Films is owned by Barbara DeGrande. Permission to republish The Wild Parrots of Telegraph Hill in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.