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Tell us what you think >>
Selected submissions will be posted here regularly, so visit again to read more
comments.
Many people have written in to ask about Mark and the parrots' experiences since filming concluded; find answers and updates on The Film, The Parrots Background and Updates and filmmaker Judy Irving and Mark Bittner's Q&A pages.
6/1/07
j aubry
brentwood nh
This film was enormously powerful. Mark is brilliant in his balance and subtle strength. Judy is a genius.
I have owned or lived with a variety of animals my whole life. There is no question in my mind that all animal species share similar emotions with us. Like Mark, I don't think these are my anthropomorphisms, they all have them. They feel happy (my black dog always smiled) and sad, lonely, angry and afraid. They maintain a consciousness all their own and are all acutely aware of their environment.
The idea of non-native species is difficult. Nature seeks its own balance - but species that have developed on their own are always "native" to planet Earth. The only truly non-native species are ones such as the Gypsy Moth caterpillar, created in a laboratory and then accidentally released. They have gone on to cause untolled billions of dollars of destruction. But flocks of birds migrate all the time. If they are surviving here - they are now its natives. Let them be.
I love the story that Mark told of the man who was observing the waterfall in Yosemite. I was at that very moment thinking exactly the same. Somehow, we all are part of a life-collective, each separated during our lifetime like the droplets in the waterfall, only to rejoin the collective.
Thanks to Judy for taking all the time to create this film. Thanks to Mark for his kindness towards the birds. Thanks PBS for sharing this little bit of beauty in what is generally the vast wasteland of TV.
6/1/07
So. San Francisco, CA
Its not a crime yet, to feed the Wild Parrots of Telegraph Hill...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hdcLzbAl1zc
6/1/07
Kayla Polaski
Springfield MO
WOW! I have some conures of my own a sun and two green cheeks and i enjoy all conures! This was an awesome film, conner was my favorite bird, he reminded my of paulie of the movie paulie! He was just waiting for the right person to come along and be his friend, Mark what you did was truly amazing for those birds.
I really fo believe animals have a counscious I see it everday in my parrots, they are just like people they want to be loved and to be appriciated and they understand their actions!
6/1/07
Melissa A. Smith
Cleveland, OH
I watched this film on 5/30 and I have to say it was really amazing. I am a huge nature/animal buff and I have never seen a bird documentary go so in depth with the socialization and behaviors of bird flocks.
I loved this movie and hope to see more like it in the future on Independent Lens.
Thank you very much!
6/1/07
sandmadd
los angeles, california
Time will tell if the parrots will be bad for San Francisco's habitat, but I think the city actions were pragmatic and humane. As to the question about parrot consciousness and emotions, the segment where Mark speaks about what transpired between him and his dying bird answered "yes" to that question. On a lighter note, I got a big kick out of seeing Mingus groovin' to the music. Is anyone playing the blues guitar for Mingus now that he and Mark are no longer together?
Editor's note: Find a video update of Mingus on The Parrots Updates page.
6/1/07
charles greco
nanuet, new york
I just saw Wild Parrots of Telegraph Hill and it brought tears to my eyes. I applaud PBS and the humanitarian film it shows. EXCELENT!
As the end of the show there was mention of Parrot flocks else ware in the country. I am originally from Brooklyn (Canarsie) New York and about 20 years ago a shipment of green parrots broke loose from JFK airport (legend has it during the final years of importing wild parrots before a ban was placed due to a bird disease of some kind) and started a colony of parrots living in Canarsie and more so in the Jamaica bay region of Brooklyn. I too tried to view and study these birds. They rapidly grew in population. I was fascinated how they were able to withstand the cold climate. That was until watching the program just moments ago. It s not the cold that harms them but the lack of food, brilliant!
At a young age I raised and bred blue and green parakeets. It was a wonderful time of my life. Anyway I was wondering if the flock in mentioned at the very end of the program was indeed the flock I was acquainted with? I sure would like to know if this particular flock was indeed the flock mentioned and that they are OK.
From Filmmaker Judy Irving:
Yes, this is indeed the flock we were referring to, and you can find out more information about them by checking out Steve Baldwin's wonderful site:
brooklynparrots.com
There is another flock of monk parakeets (Quaker parrots) in Edgewater, New
Jersey, and a flock of mitred conures (like Olive) in Baldwin, Long Island.
6/1/07
Jerry Gilmer
St. Augstine, FL
My wife and I were absolutely fascinated with Mark's work and rapport with the parrots. We have a cockatiel and our daughter has a Blue-fronted Amazon. When the birds get together they talk to each and sometimes by long distance telephone. We are always amazed at how much they understand and how well they can communicate with each other and with humans. The Amazon understands when to say appropriate things that relates to what we may be doing at the time. So you can understand how fascintating we found Mark's work. I am hoping that Mark will be able to return to Telegraph Hill and that we will hear more from him in the future. We are also hoping that PBS will show this presentation again and again.
6/1/07
Stef
I have a great love for birds & also believe that birds communicate in their own special way. It only takes a little love, patience & understanding of them. When watching this program, I could relate to what Mark was saying & also felt the birds emotions in a way a bird lover can. I have had many types of pets, but there is nothing like a bird....THEY ARE AWESOME. What Mark has done for these precious animals brings tears of happiness. Thank goodness someone took the time out of their life to save them and go to battle for them. Three cheers to you and the birds. :)
I CAN NOT believe people want to dispose of the parrots. Attitudes/personalities like this do much more damage than any parrot could. Criminals harm and damage the world and we financially support them their entire life....and these people want to terminate the life of these birds for what reason......for the joy they bring to so many people. What's wrong with this picture.
6/1/07
trudy perry
humble, Texas
This was such an engrossing film - the incredible beauty and personality of God's beautiful gifts to us. The harsh reality of the ending was shocking to me and even days later I still feel depressed and as if someone has kicked me in the chest. I just wasn't prepared for their abandonment and neither were they.
6/1/07
Chuck Berry
Nashua, NH
This is a wonderful film. Having adopted a Blue Crown Conure and a Sun Conure from homes that no longer wanted them, I really relate to this film. Before owning birds, I never thought they could be so funny, loving and enjoy interacting with humans. Conures are very special birds and great pets to have.
6/1/07
Dallas, Texas
This documentary had me spellbound to the TV. I was so moved at the tenderness. I cried for Mingus, I cried for Tupelo, I cried for Connor, and I cried when Mark's hair was cut - I realized I was too late! I certainly have never met such a brilliant gentle man ever. And I agree with his realization of how the bond with the Parrots is a "whole" experience. (I am not sure how he worded it but I understood him.) I think about this documentary throughout the day and will probably a long time to come.
6/1/07
katherine
seattle, washington
i just watched the broadcast on the parrots of Telegraph Hill. we in Seattle have our own flocks of escapee parakeets, Chapman's mitred conure and the scarlet-fronted conure. they mostly live in Seward Park in the south part of Seattle, but they fly north to a neighborhood called Maple Leaf, about 20 miles north of Seward Park. Ocassionally we have parrots. there are also bald eagles nesting in Seward Park.
6/1/07
Gina Hershey León
University Park, PA
Loved the Wild Parrots of Telegraph Hill that aired this week on WPSU (State College, PA). Fantastic job!!
5/31/07
Gary Branch
Concord, CA.
I just saw the film last night on Independent Lens on PBS-KQED, and it was one of the most
senstitive, thought provoking, sentimental, encouraging, and positive films or
documentaries I've ever seen. It was totally fantastic! PS: Mega-kudos to Judy and Mark!
5/31/07
David Chi
Grove city, Ohio
I watched latter part of the documentary "the wild parots in telegraph hill". it is
simple, yet ocean-deep. two words come to my mind: pure and beautiful. the feeling will be
with me for a long time. thank you.
5/31/07
Kurt Dibble
West Chester PA
What a great show. My wife and I have two Amazon parrots and absolutely loved the show. It
need more air time. I want to tell friends to watch it but it seems to only be on at 4am.
This need prime time exposure!!
5/31/07
Gail H
Decatur GA
Ah... what can I say after watching that extraordinary film. It was magical to watch the
Mark with the parrots and the parrots with him. Very sad about Connor- bless his heart.
But, the end when Mark's hair was being cut... and to have him end up with the film maker,
I understood completely. I fell in love with him a little bit too.Now this part, I have to
be honest, I do think the zoo should trap them and build a parrot habitat. There is a
reason non native species are not native. And I think they deserve to be taken care of and
looked after now that Mark can not look after them. All in all I loved this film. And will
look for the film maker's other work in the future.
5/31/07
Kansas
What a beautiful film Judy created. The observations of the parrots were a real treat to
watch. I was impressed by Mark's ability to observe but mostly not interfere as nature
took its course with the lives of the parrots. I especially enjoyed Mark's zen philosophy
and his non-materialistic life path. He and Judy seem destined for each other. Thank you
for showing us this remarkable story. I really loved it.
5/31/07
One of the most beautiful documentaries I've ever seen. It was a wonderful commentary on
both human nature and animal nature -- showing just how well they can dovetail (pardon the
pun)! One of the most striking and, to me, inspiring aspects of this show was, after
having been (it seems) a somewhat lost soul, Mark "found" himself via the parrots.
Eventually leading to Judy's interest in him and his parrots . . . Leading on to her film
project . . . Which went on to marriage! Congratulations to both of you, and Vivre! the
flock and San Fran. for letting them remain free!
5/31/07
Michele Avramov
Glendale, Ca
Saw the parrotts of telegraph hill last night. a moving, beautiful documentary. what a
sweet soul and caring person mark bittner is. quetion for mark. does mark ever return to
visit the parrotts? what is he doing now? did he marry and is he still with the filmaker?
all i can say is i stayed up past my bed time despite having to get up early for work to
watch the entire documentary. i was just so moved and touched by mark and those parrotts
who to me, now seem just as much natives of s.f. as real natives. god bless.
5/31/07
BILL COOPER
LAS VEGAS NV.
WOW WHAT A GREAT STORY. WITH ALL THE HATE IN THE WORLD, MARK YOU GIVE ME HOPE. AND FOR
THAT I THANK YOU.
5/31/07
Lorraine Treiber
Honolulu, HI
The story of Mark Bittner and the parrots of telegraph hill was so touching I cried. I was
moved most by Conner because he came to the aid of other sick parrots when they were
ostracized from the flock. It was so nice to become close to these parrots and get to know
them through Mark Bittner and his love for them. Beautiful story!
5/31/07
Janice Whitcher
Ann Arbor, Michigan
This was a truly beautiful film. I watched it on one PBS channel and then immediately
watched it again on another. Mark Bittner's rapport with the birds was amazing to watch
and it was heartbreaking when he had to move. I highly recommend this film - it will not
be easily forgotten.
5/31/07
Mike Devlin
Camden New Jersey
My wife and I were channel surfing and came upon your story on our PBS channel last night
and were very moved. It was one of the best stories we have seen on TV. Saddened at the
end by the likely fate of Conner and by the scenes depicting your giving up Mingus and
others for adoption. We save stray Cats and Dogs in the poorest city in America so we can
relate. Our vocation now is saving children in the same poor city through gardening and
horticulture. I cannot wait to see it again. Good luck and keep it up.
5/31/07
Julie W
Munford, Tn
My 4 yr old daughter and I enjoyed the program. It was beautiful to watch, the music was
enchanting. How refreshing to meet such a beautiful soul in todays society. With people
like Mark, there may be some hope for the world.
5/31/07
Connie Pine
Bellefontaine .Ohio
I have just finished watching this remarkable story.I have never enjoyed a program more in
my life. I have believe for many years that animals have emotions and can feel love and
lonlieness, This film just supports what i have always believed. Thank you so much for
sharing it with us. I watch Independent Lens every week, and have quite a few eposodes on
tape.
5/31/07
Sylvia C. Welch
Fresno, CA 93727
Human stupidity is what sets us apart from the rest of the animal kingdom! Of course the
parrots show emotion, animals have purer emotion than egocentric humans! Leave the parrots
free and wild, just be grateful they give your city such beauty!
5/31/07
Tom
Pasadena, California
I didn't watch the last half hour of the program as I thought that the sight of Mark
leaving his parrots would be too sad. I hope that he does well, but I wish he would go
back to his parrots and resume his life with them. He seemed to be so happy and the
parrots happy as well. We need to see that interaction with nature in this cruel world.
5/31/07
Mary
Kissimmee, Florida
Thank you for reminding me that there are still people in the world who have not forgotten
their connection to and reverence for the natural world and the creatures that inhabit it.
We, as humans, are capable of deeply loving and communicating with many creatures aside
from our own kind.
Recently, I lost a golden retriever that had been my family, my protector, my constant
companion for ten years. I am shocked at the deep seated sadness I still feel in losing
him because I came to love and understand the kindness and essence of his being. He
patiently taught me many things about myself, made me laugh and brought pure joy into my
life. I fully understand what it is to truly love an animal. I understand the purity of it
and the devotion. I have been sweetly reminded of that bygone relationship by "The
Parrots..." It has been said that, "Our lives are like that of a bird that flies in one
window of a grand banquet hall, beholds the feast, and in the next moment flies out the
other." The message - Live and Love all you can, while you can. I applaud you, PBS, for
programing that also demonstrates the ability we have to transcend our human condition.
BRAVO!!!
5/31/07
AZ
This was one of the most beautiful, sensitive, educational and a little sad, film that I
have ever seen. I just loved it and look forward to seeing it again on my educaitonal tv
channel.
5/31/07
Nancy Peyton
Salem, Oregon
Thank you Mark, Judi, and the "landlords" of the residence where the wonderful parrot
story takes place. We'd been in San Fran. about 3 years ago and hiked up to see the
parrots on telegraph hill but saw none. So, when I saw this film come on, I was delighted.
The photography was great and now I feel I got to see the birds. I've been a wildlife
rehabilitator and have witnessed the emotions that animals have similar to humans. I have
many stories of my own to prove that this is true. Washoe, Kunzie, and Koko, communicating
apes, should silence the doubters. Please do a sequel & congrats to Mark & Judi.
5/31/07
Nancy Peyton
Laguna Niguel, California
I LOVED THE WILD PARROTS OF TELEGRAPH HILL. It was thought-provoking, tender, educational
and a look at something that exists in this world that I thought I'd never be interested
in, but...........Mark Bittner's love, respect and way of living as well as his articulate
explanations about the parrots in all forums should make him happy that he has contributed
a gift that millions of people can enjoy again and again. I intend to.
5/31/07
Valerie Rahn
High Prairie , Alberta
I am a parrot lover - I should be, five of my children are parrots. Like Mark there was
one particular bird that I was bonded to, his name was Herbie and he was a rose-breasted
cockatoo. We were, in thedeepest sense, soul mates. Herbie loved me with all his heart and
soul. He too sickened, a virus unidentified that left him weak and eventually almost
paralyzed. I mouthfed the bird for six months, a bird that sould have been dead already. I
know Herbie held onto life because he loved me and I loved him. The more you are around
parrots the more you KNOW they have personalities, emotions and thoughts. We have every
right to mourn their loss for they were real and their love was real. I am so grateful for
your presentation of this documentary - the world seams today a better place because of
those bright and free spirits and because of the man who was unashamed to show that he
loved them. Allow us to share in the grief of losing Connor and to celebrate in the
pairing of Mark & Judy. I can't wait to see what magic their union will bring to PBS and
us all. Thank you PBS for bringin us this story, as always for showing the whole truth and
for giving us all yet another reason to hope.
5/31/07
Amy
Topeka, Kansas
Mark's passion for those birds is incredible! I cried as I watched the story about Tupelo
and learning the fate of Conner but it serves as a reminder that God has plans for all of
us. I hope that the next time that I visit my sister in San Francisco I catch a glimpse of
the flock. Thank you for this heartwarming film, it's one I'll never forget.
5/31/07
Lynn Niemiec
Ohio
I enjoyed much of the film but was left with many questions and disappointed. Why were
provisions not made for the elder, weak, lonely Conner but were for other birds? It was
said he chose freedom but he didn't know the care was ending. How sad when he is then
killed by a hawk. Was the flock slowly weaned from daily feeding or did the meal train end
abruptly? Food dependency was a big part of this story. A sudden cutoff would be unfair as
they would have adjusted their lives around their food sources. I love animals too and
feel that once we intrude in their lives we now have an obligation to fulfil.
5/31/07
Thomas Labant
Phoenix, AZ
The world needs more animal lovers like the guy in this film.
5/31/07
Susan Holmgren
Carmel, California
Congratulations on this beautiful film. I believe, however, that Connor did not choose, as
Mr. Bittner says, to live in the wild. Connor naturaly came to believe he would have the
steady support and close companionship offered by Mr. Bittner, and thus decided that if he
could have this either indoors or out, he wanted to be outdoors. I believe Connor died of
grief, shock, and loneliness. I see in his death a persistent failure of humans to balance
our support of wildlife's wildness with the importance of their survival.
Of course, nature is merciless at times. But I understood Mr. Bittner's unique feelings
about Connor, and wish we could look at pictures of Connor in sanctuary in Phoenix.,
instead of in a zoomed-in photo of a hawk's kill.
5/31/07
SLC, UT
After viewing this film there is no doubt that the observed relationships within this
avian population need to be described in scientific terms as well as within the context of
human emotions and terms. This can only bring us closer to the natural world as a whole.
So what if they are a non-indigenous species! Why should they be ignored, they have
created their own niche and should be recoginized for that. THEY ARE SURVIVORS IN A CRUEL
AND HOSTILE WORLD!
5/31/07
Sharon Langerman
I loved this show The Wild Parrots of Telegraph Hill. I didn't want it to end. I love
Birds and have always had a great relationship with my parakeets (little clowns). I want
to see this program again. Mark is a fantastic guy!
5/31/07
Amy
Bryan, TX
First and foremost- Thank you for such a moving and charming film so full of genuine love
and acceptance! its so rare and important! Animals definately have more consciousness than
we can describe,and for a great many understand esp. science. i believe these birds should
co-exist because they are there due to our negligence. plus we have destroyed much of
their natural habitat and should be making steps for preservation. Read THE LAST PANDA its
an eye opener. there is also the enormous issue of exotic pet trade. In many cases there
are more captives in this country than wilds in the native places. that is a huge subject
of its own. hope the SF flock can continue to be relatively safe.
there are many many parrots where we live,some are green bodies with a marvelous bluish
underwing and there are several red macaws. the smaller ones are harder to spot but surely
are there. At the Breakers Hotel in Palm Beach they all gather in the afternoon to chat
and you can see them in the Austrailian pines (nonnative invasive species but pretty
landscaping)and hear them chatter. Occasionally one will use words and you know thats an
escapee. i see them all over town tho don't know their pattern, but sure know the sound of
the flock without a doubt. i love seeing them and will be looking in other towns ( i
travel for my job)like NYC and when next in SF will be looking out for you. thank you and
great work everybody involved!!!! :) and congratulations!
5/31/07
Marianne
Bryan, TX
Thank you for such a wonderfully moving film and to you, Mark, for being there. - I do
believe animals are "conscious" but to describe it in human terms would mean that we
understand it and I don't think we do. - Also, the world is in constant flux and though we
humans are a major cause of that, we are also part of the native species, though a very
aggressive one. I think we need to learn to respect what is, both good and bad.
5/31/07
Julie Floerke
Kincaid, Kansas
Bravo! That was a great film. I do believe animals have the ability to share human
emotions, & I think they are far better at understanding it. There is a series of books by
the author Jane Roberts- any & all of the SETH BOOKS explain this & much more if Mark or
anyone is interested. I find these books very enlightening! As to the question on
non-native species- we are "the melting pot" & I think variety is what keeps plants,
animals & humans diversely healthy.Mark your comment on "Where did that idea come from?"
is a direct quote in a Seth book I am reading right now, I hope you continue to expand,
explore that question. Thanks for producing this film!
5/31/07
Kris
Pittsburgh PA
Feelings have physical manifestations, which are observable in animals just as in humans.
They prove that animals, all animals, feel. Non-native species can be a great hazard, but
not all, and not these parrots. I've never seen wild parrots in W-PA. Mark & Judy, thank
you for an unforgettable documentary.
5/31/07
Phil
Berkeley, CA.
Great film! My heart felt congratulations to Judy Irving for capturing all the color,
whimsy, tragedy, love, and resolve of the parrots in the wilds of Telegraph Hill.If I were
a film critic I wold award 5 pecks! Thank you Judy and Mark. ps I'm gonna miss ole Connor
too.
5/31/07
Roxxie Eggert
Minneapolis, Minnesota
I was moved beyond comprehension when I watched this beautiful broadcast last night! I
have a budgie and I love her more each day - what a wonderful, selfless man who is taking
care of and protecting the flock. Your special bird that passed in the night, Mark - do
not feel guilt ~ she did not want you to watch her pass away, she wanted to isolate...I
never thought of visiting San Fran before this show and I now think I must to see these
beautiful parrots! Thank You So Much for sharing the film and what an awesome ending for
you both!!!!
5/31/07
Jasmine Armstrong
Lompoc, CA
My husband and I visit San Francisco at least twice a year. We've been blessed to see the
parrots, first, on Telegraph Hill, when Judy Irving was there. The second time was in
November of 2005, at a park by the waterfront. I'd recently suffered a miscarriage, and
sitting under the trees, watching the parrots preen each other was a very healing
experience. To me, they represent San Francisco: They are like so many immigrants or
outsiders who've come to the city, and flourished despite the odds.
5/31/07
Bluering
San Jose, Ca.
I am a documentary/science/news junkie. This film was superb. You should be very proud of
the film and of Mark. The quality of this film is on par with stuff such as: 60-minutes,
Ken Burns, Nova, Frontline, etc.A great story! Best of luck going forward!
5/31/07
Alison
Vancouver BC
Bravo to Mark Bittner and all those who made this wonderful film possible.I really admire
Mark's bravery in bucking the trend and pressures of "normal" society and making the
personal decision on how to live his life. I also greatly admire his intelligence and the
tenderness with which he interacts with the birds. I found it very uplifting to see such
depth of spirit and kindness. Do I think animals are capable of emotions like love and
grief? That's easy to answer--I KNOW they do-have known this since childhood.
5/31/07
What a wonderful film I am so happy that Mark, you found the joy of birds. I too fell
unintentionally to the allure of these creatures, and they probably have taught me more
than anyone I know and though they depend on me, I have no doubt that I depend on them
more.
I first viewed this film in 2005 at the same time that I was losing one of my parrots. It
is the first one that I lost and as I watched Mark discuss Tupelo, I could feel all of
those emotions through me. Though likely anthropomorphic as mentioned, on his last day I
felt that gratitude he was definitely saying thank you. This lovebird was ill from day
one and much of his life was spent on medication though that didnt faze him at all, and
it gave him 8 years.
I got to see another wild flock when I lived in England last year a sizable group of
ringneck parakeets in the west side of London.
5/30/07
Mary Ryan
South Easton, MA 02375
Judy Irving's film Parrot's of Telegraph Hill was a remarkable, moving love story of Mr.
Bittner's understanding and unselfish dedication for these remarkable birds. Thank You for
bringing it to us.
5/30/07
Frank Lewis
Spring Hill, Kansas
I watched the documentary, The Parrots of Telegraph Hill. It was amazing. I never watch
anything on birds, but this program was special. It went far beyond the parrots. It was
life affirming. The best documentary I have seen in years. Thanks for a very special
event.
5/30/07
David Chi
I watched latter part of the documentary "the wild parots in telegraph hill". it is
simple, yet ocean-deep. two words come to my mind: pure and beautiful. the feeling will be
with me for a long time. thank you.
5/30/07
Iris Seefeldt
Illinois
For me,this was a riveting program. The sensativity of Mr. Bittner is clearly displayed by
the narrative he speaks. The photography of the region is also done very well,
picturesquely giving insight into the habitat of these wild birds. I thought it was a
touching and riveting hour of interesting viewing. Keep up the great work PBS and good
luck to you Mr. and Mrs. Bittner.
5/30/07
Tiffany M
Baltimore, MD
I saw this "special" air tonite, and it was very delightful to watch besides the usually
daily tv. It was amazing how he dedicated his life to those birds, and I too caught myself
tearing up towards the end. I am glad that it ended on a good note.
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