The Wild Parrots of Telegraph Hill

An uncommon bond between man and nature is the focus of Judy Irving's wonderful and informative documentary, THE WILD PARROTS OF TELEGRAPH HILL. The film follows Mark Bittner, an unemployed aging hippie, who lives off the kindness of strangers in the titular San Francisco neighborhood. His life takes on new meaning when he starts feeding a flock of wild Conures, a breed of parrot noted for its green body and cherry-red head. Native to Argentina, the birds soon feel comfortable enough to feed while perched all over Mr. Bittner. Being outcasts who yearn to remain free, a mutual respect is born between them. Daily routine soon leads to growing crowds of curious passersby, as Bittner becomes something of a local celebrity. Based on his up-close observations, Bittner gains some keen insight into the behavior of individual birds, giving them names. The resulting portraits of Connor, Mingus, Olive, Pushkin, Picasso, Sophie, and Tupelo prove that these amazing creatures deserve star credit in their own right. WILD PARROTS features some incredible close-ups, rare in-depth glimpses into the unique and often amusing habits and activities of one flock of parrots, and a surprise ending.

Run Time: 83 minutes

FEATURES

Available Audio Tracks: English (Dolby Digital 5.1)
Origins of the Flock
Urban Legends
Update: Mingus at the Oasis
Parrots Music Video
Mark Bittner's Home Movies
Flock Updates
Deleted Scenes
Theatrical Trailer
California Quail Bonus Short

Industry Reviews
"[An] affectionate film....By the end of the movie, you might even begin reconsidering your relationship with the animal kingdom and questioning the distance you put between yourself and nonhuman species."
New York Times - Stephen Holden (02/11/2005)

"[I]n watching the birds and man with an affectionate, curious eye, the filmmaker builds a story of surprising emotional resonance."
Entertainment Weekly - Lisa Schwarzbaum (03/29/2005)

"Mark Bittner is calm, intelligent, confiding, wise and well-spoken. You would be happy to count him as your friend."
Chicago Sun-Times - Roger Ebert (04/01/2005)

"A nature film-maker by trade, Irving films the birds at close quarters, and these vivid, characterful close-ups act like illustrations to the intimate backstory that Bittner assigns each parrot."
Sight and Sound - Edward Lawrenson (01/01/2006)
 

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