Birding Hero Mark Bittner Dies at 74

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Mark Bittner, a Vancouver native who became a beloved figure in San Francisco for his close relationship with a flock of wild parrots, has died at the age of 74. Bittner, the subject of the 2003 documentary "The Wild Parrots of Telegraph Hill", was homeless when he started feeding and caring for the colorful South American birds in an abandoned house on Telegraph Hill.

Why it matters

Bittner's story captured the public's imagination as an example of the unexpected connections that can form between humans and nature, even in an urban environment. His dedication to the parrots and his ability to gain their trust made him a local celebrity and inspired many to appreciate the wildlife that can thrive in cities.

The details

Bittner, who was born in Vancouver, Washington, began his unusual relationship with the parrots after he started squatting in an abandoned house on Telegraph Hill in San Francisco. There, he began feeding and caring for the flock of dozens of wild South American parrots, eventually becoming their unlikely benefactor. Bittner's intimate friendship with the birds was the subject of the 2003 documentary "The Wild Parrots of Telegraph Hill", which helped cement his status as a local legend.

• Mark Bittner died of a heart attack in California on March 1, 2026.
• The documentary "The Wild Parrots of Telegraph Hill" was released in 2003.

What they’re saying