Independent Lens . THE WILD PARROTS OF TELEGRAPH HILL . Talkback

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.

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5/30/07
Mauro
LA

My wife and I were profoundly touched by the story and the film. It is a litle gem that caused us to receive confirmation that there are beautiful people and other creatures, that life and death, solitude and companionship are part of a continuous unfolding. The film made us rejoice in Mark's life experiences, and his relationship with himself and the birds. While we were heartbroken when Mark had to move and leave behind his friends, we were uplifted and delighted at the pairing of Mark and Judy. Bravi!

5/30/07
P. Maher

Lovelock, Nevada

A wonderful experience. I lived in St. Petersburg Fl. for 20 years and have seen many flocks of wild parrots and trully know the blessings you received by having them in your life. I've lived in West Virginia "off grid" atop a ridge and saw wildlife as it was created to be. You have received a special gift from He who created them for our delight and wonder. I hope to see other films by you and Judy soon as I hope your blessings abound. thanl you for sharing and I hope others will see a place for all wild things.

5/30/07
Hannah

I just watched 'parrots..' and fell in love with the story. I started off with one bird just for fun and ended up breeding, training and bonding.They are warm and wonderful and affectionate creatures and I could relate to the feelings of This man. This was more than learning of the birds habits and habitats, it was learning of these birds little hearts and how they bond with us as well as each other. I understood perfectly when the gentleman said he felt the sense of gratitude from Conner when he had him in bed with him and also the discomfort when he put him on the floor where he died shortly after. It WAS coming from Conner. My birds 'spoke' to me this way also. It's nothing weird or strange. They communicate with us in marvelous ways. It was a wonderful show and if anyone has not watched Independent Lens, they just don't know what they are missing.

5/30/07
Andre
Trenton, NJ

I get up early, so staying up late to watch a doc is a high tariff to pay. This doc was worth the investment. It was a postcard from home. I love the Bay Area, SF and the people it attracts. If you love animals you will enjoy this well made film. For the rest of you, it is an insight into people, animals and one intersection of the two.

5/30/07
Robin A. Athow
Huntsville, AL.

Wow, what a great film! I was so inspired by Mark and his dedication and love for the birds. I do believe the birds share loneliness, love and grief. They are all gifts from God. Mark was an inspiration to me with his quest to find his place in life. I was so happy for him that he found his mate for life. :-)

5/30/07
Danny Helfen
Holland, IN

As far as the parrots being a non native species is concerned, humans are non native to North America too. I say let them be. Mark, I was watching the show last night. I had a little cockatiel several years ago named Sweety. She was an awesome bird. Every day when I came home she would chirp and climb around her cage till I came and got her out. She died in the near same manner your little bird did. I was devistated. It still hurts when I think about her.

5/30/07
Huran

How does a transit become the center focus of what mother nature created? I can not firgue it out for the life of me. The homeless problem in sf is much more of a problem and should be of greater priority than taking care of parrots that can take care of themselves.

5/30/07
R. Pellagrini
Dunedin, Florida

The Parrots of Telegraph Hill broke my heart. I fell in love with each of them and with Mark Bittner's goodness. I was especially touched by the experience he related having with one of his parrots who communicated her gratitude to him before she died when he picked her up and layed her beside him for the last time. I grieved for the regret he expressed in having had ignored his instinct when he felt her telepathically beseech him to let her stay with him, but decided instead to place her back on her spot on the floor. Mark acknowledged that he was left with a deep sense of resignation and realized what it all meant later when he put the individual moments back together in his mind, like pieces in a mysterious puzzle, and recognized that she was telling him she wanted him near her as she was saying her last goodbye. I understand the powerful connection human beings and animals share and Mark's kindness and mercy was beautiful to behold. This documentary will surely teach many the value of fearless and respectful commune with our blessed friends in the wild. We need them and their stories.

5/30/07
Suzanne Collins
Newport Vermont

I loved this program!! we have six finch and more over the years so know birds fairly well and what Mark said is true, you learn to be an expert. I also loved little Italian scenes from North Beach where I have visited many years ago. Mark is great for doing all this. Thank you.

5/30/07
Nichole Baker
Schenectady

Excellent, story, film, and directing. I was touched by Mark and his gift. Most all I was touched by the parrots. I smiled, laughed, cried and sobbed. I feel for all of those parrots and Mark. I was extremely touched by Connor. I sobbed at his demize. The last picture of the red tail is forever etched in my memory. Nature is so bitter sweet. My heart overflows for all birds and animals. I stongly feel something should have been done to keep Mark with his friends. They city should have done it's part to ensure this. Mark, could you tell me what your life is like now. Do you have any contact with the flock?? and thank you for touching my heart.

5/30/07
Martina
Beeville, TX

The other night I had the privilege of watching this excellent program. I am a life long animal lover and advocate. Yes, I absolutely believe that animals have a consciousness and truly agree with Mr. Bittner's statement that animals are purer than us humans. Thank you for airing programs like this. Please San Francisco, let these parrots be!

5/30/07
Muriel
Los Angeles, CA

I love love love this movie! LONG LIVE CONNOR AND MINGUS! Mark is nothing short of amazing for caring for these wild birds without intruding in their lives. I really adored the passion he felt for these small birds. Thank you Judy for making a great movie!

5/30/07
Jen

WONDERFUL. I cried for 30 minutes after the show. I was so very touched by the kindness Mark carries in his soul. He is a beautiful man and has made this world a better place. A++

5/30/07
Nancy Bakker
Denair, CA

Kudos to Judy Irving for creating such a beautiful story. Thanks to Mark Bittner for befriending the flock of beautiful parrots. We need more heartwarming stories like this that reaches our souls and helps us to realize that animals are an all important integral part of our human existence.

5/30/07
Sharon
Jacksonville Fl

I found this PBS show by accident last night. I have never been so moved by a story as this one has touched me. Mark Bittner is truly a modern day St Francis and I thank PBS for such a wonderful night of television.

5/30/07
Anne
Fremont, CA

I was shocked by the ending which telephotoed in on Mingus being taloned by a hawk.This beautiful film draws you in and draws us all together as creatures of this earth - the momentary drops of the waterfall. And then, kicks the viewer in the stomach by enlarging a photograph of a hawk capturing a parret, which seems to be Mingus. Earlier in the film a gentleman comments on the suggestions made regarding what to do with the parrets (besides just leaving them alone), and is visibly, though mildly, tensed and repulsed by the suggestion that they be exterminated. People know that hawks and other predators kill animals for food, but this is not something people want to see. We can actually be a sympathetic and sensitive species. And after drawing us in with the story of each individual parret, to show the slaughter of this poor, sick and depressed creature was heartwrenching. I had considered purchasing the film, especially since I live in the Bay Area, but will never purchase it now. It was enough to hear that hawks had moved in to kill parrets after Mark left, but to include the killing of a specific individual in the film was a very poor decision. I would add that over-intellectualization of life can be crass and dangerous.

5/30/07
Susann Malin
New York, new York

I so enjoyed the documentary about the parrots and about Mark. I had been about to go to bed when the program came on and I stayed with it until the end. Of course I cried with Mark when he had to give up the birds--I am a cat owner--and I know how close we can get to animals. (When the first cat I had died, I became a vegetarian because I thought if I could feel such love for an animal I shouldn't be eating them.) I looked for this site this morning to follow up on Mark and the birds. I was happy to see that Mark and Judy became a couple. I think the question of non-native species should be decided on a case by case basis.

5/30/07

I watched your documentary last night and was so moved by your love. judy's for the tender observation-witnessing of mark and the birds.it shone throughout the film. mark's transending...? transendant? love for the birds... and i was especially moved by mark's roshi quote. your documentary stayed with me last night, through my dreams and into today. i believe it will stay with me always...ps i was very glad to see you cut your hair. what a happy ending for the film and ...beginning....... thank you

5/30/07
Patricia A. Orton
Decatur, Alabama

I watched the show and was both elated at the beauty of these wonderful birds and saddened as they were killed or became ill. I was very disturbed about Conner's end. It was a fantastic and very informative show. As for your comment, "The parrots in the film seem to share human emotions such as loneliness, love or grief. Do you think animals have a consciousness that can be described in human terms?"

Yes, I do. I have seen delight, grief and sadness in the eyes of my pets or pain when they were ill. All animals can talk and convey messages to us if we only know how to listen. I believe that the emotions Mark felt coming from the bird who died in his bedroom were real and the bird was sending a message to a human that she loved. I have regrets also that I did not pay more attention to a message that some of my pets were sending to me when their lives were drawing to a close just as Mark did not realize what the bird was saying to him, "I am about to depart this world. Please keep me close during my last moments." Mark must be a wonderful person to do what he did and he is to be admired and commended. I hope those birds will not be trapped and destroyed as some unfeeling people suggested. I hope that they will be fed and treasured as they deserve to be and given a refuge by someone. Thank you for allowing us to see what some of us would never have been aware of had it not been for Mark and PBS.

5/30/07
Nanci
Pontiac, MI

I watched this show in the early morning hours today and was crying so hard at 5:00 a.m. I recently lost my cat who had 24/7 care for 3 years. She had Diabetes, Cushings' Disease and Pancreatic Cancer. It was Marks' realization that touched my heart, that it is the love and choices we make for these animals. The sacrifice and their worth to us and what we give to them. I always thought there should be a camera crew filming us so that others could learn. This film touched me deeply. Thank you for sharing yourself and making this film. Congradulations on the relationship...I wish I'd have met you first. Bless you both.

5/30/07
Eugene Wells
Camino, CA

I am in love with the Parrots of Telegraph Hill-- Thanks so much for the in-depth detail you have provided us about parrots. Animals that are in daily contact with humans definatly share deep emotional feelings with humans. Our domestic dogs & cats provide us with these feelings on a daily basis. Co-exist is the key word here.

5/30/07
Patt
Tucson, AZ

The film is wonderful, Mark is exceptional, and the parrots are endearing. Conner's death made me so sad; like all animals, each is an individual with their own personality. Thank you, thank you for sharing this story.

5/30/07
Lake Ridge Virginia

Hello, thanks for this wonderful film! I had the great pleasure of watching this film last evening and I loved it so, so much! I laughed and I cried....(okay...I sobbed when Tupelo's story was told). What a wonderful story and you are wonderful folks! Best wishes....Fran Ward

5/30/07
Barbara
Milwaukee, WI

I watched the documentary last night on PBS. What an uplifting story! We need more Mark's in the world. I feel the birds have emotions. Why else would they disappear for ten days or so while "grieving". To me, they have affection for Mark and trust him. If the non-native birds are not a threat to the environment, I see no reason why they should not be where they are. Although I am a bird watcher and have lots of feeders, I have not seen a parrot in my area that was not in a cage. Best wishes Mark, congratulations on your marriage. Good luck in all future endeavors.

5/30/07
Cyndi McKenna
St. Louis, MO

This was the best documentary I've seen in a long time. So touching and engaging. The film work was amazing too - you really got a "bird's eye view". Such a wonderful happy ending too! I'd love to see more features like this one.

5/30/07
Karin Spiegler
Merion Station, PA

Mark,The film really upset me. I too become passionately close to the animals in my life. But your lack of awareness of your significance in the birds' lives really broke my heart.

You left them. Wild birds become acclimated to food being given to them. It just disappeared on them. Parrots thrive on attention. Conor died. Sure he'd have died anyway, but I think he was broken hearted. I have learned not to seduce the affections of wild things. They do not understand being abandoned as we move on in our fluid and highly mobile lives.

Editor's Note:

After a year and a half in Oakland, California, Mark Bittneris back on Telegraph Hill, settled for the first time in his adult life in his own home, next door to the cottage he'd been caretaking in the movie. Read an update on Mark, Judy and the parrots >>

5/30/07
Eric
Pittsburgh, PA

I loved this inspirational program. Mark Bittner impressed me as a truly courageous, sensitive sole.

5/30/07
Sharon

I saw your program early this morning and can't find the words to explain how touched I am by your film. I'm especially touched by how Mr. Bitter explained how he felt the emotions of the Parrots. I truly belive all animals have feelings and emotions, many of them more in touch than we humans.

I believe that non-native species should be allowed to co-exist with native species, especially since they do not a threat to anyone or anything.Thank you for a wonderful program.

5/30/07
James O'Brien
Cedartown, Georgia

Animals have feelings just like we do. I understood immediately the part about Tupelo. I have a cherry head named CC that is 11 years old. The naturalists are fools. Mark Bittner should receive an honorary degree for his work with the flock. The new species derived from the cherry head-mitred conure pairing should be named after Mark Bittner as well. Never saw a wild flock here in North Georgia. But I have my CC! He is a valued member of our family.

This film is one of the best things on television I have ever watched. I plan on buying the book as well. I look forward to more work from Mark and Judy and wish them the best.I hope their film is eligible for an Emmy and an Academy award. It should win both.

5/30/07
Sherry Barlow
Port Charlotte, FL

I was very touched by this film. God bless you Mark. You and the birds will be in my prayers.

5/30/07
T. Inga
Kodiak, Alaska

I enjoyed the personalities of the birds. I liked it when Migus danced along with Mark's music. It was a great program.

5/30/07
Ann O'Connor
Phoenix, AZ

All I can say is beautiful. No words can express my appreciation.

5/30/07
Susan
Tucson AZ

I echo what others have said about this wonderful film but want to add how delighted I was that Judy recognized Mark's precious soul. In our society, children are pressured to decide, almost from the moment they begin to talk, what they want to do when they grow up. Mark's own story--his tale of drifting rather aimlessly until he found, almost by accident, his true vocation and purpose--is a real inspiration.

5/30/07
Kay
Stockton, Ca.

Just finished watching The Wild Parrots of Telegraph Hill on PBS. Excellent! I truly enjoyed it. Most of San Franciscos population of humans are non-native. Hmmmm. Let the parrots co-exist, its very special.

5/30/07

Pontiac, MI

I watched this show in the early morning hours today and was crying so hard at 5:00 a.m. I recently lost my cat who had 24/7 care for 3 years. She had Diabetes, Cushings' Disease and Pancreatic Cancer. It was Marks' realization that touched my heart, that it is the love and choices we make for these animals. The sacrifice and their worth to us and what we give to them. I always thought there should be a camera crew filming us so that others could learn. This film touched me deeply. Thank you for sharing yourself and making this film. Congradulations on the relationship...I wish I'd have met you first. Bless you both.

5/30/07
Eric
Pittsburgh, PA

I loved this inspirational program. Mark Bittner impressed me as a truly courageous, sensitive sole.

5/30/07
Sherry Barlow
Port Charlotte, FL

I was very touched by this film. God bless you Mark. You and the birds will be in my prayers.

5/30/07
T. Inga
Kodiak, Alaska

I enjoyed the personalities of the birds. I liked it when Migus danced along with Mark's music. It was a great program.

5/30/07
Ann O'Connor
Phoenix, AZ

All I can say is beautiful. No words can express my appreciation.

5/30/07
Heidi Zimmermann
Chicago, IL

Here is a lovely, authentic film with a surprise ending that ties the entire narrative into one touching, yet intriguing, story. Love, life, pain, search for meaning, connection. Do these issues get any air in big-budget hollywood movies, where anything, yet nothing of lasting significance, can and does seem to happen? Thanks to PBS, the filmmaker, and Mark Bittner for bringing us a simple true story with so much at stake.

5/30/07
MARK BIRON
NEW LENOX IL.

MARK,THANK YOU LORD 4 MEN LIKE YOU!!!! I THOUGHT I WAS ALONE ANY MORE WISHING 4 GARDEN OF EDEN? 1ST Q... YES IF THEY COULD THEY WOULD SHAPE US UP. ENVIROMENTALLY SPEAKING. 2ND Q GOD PUT ANIMALS ON THE PLANET......NOT JUST WHERE WE WANT THEM! 2ND, Q-2 NON-NATIVE ???? WHAT ABOUT BLACKS SPANISH IRISH ITALIANS POLISH? SEEN THEM BACK 2? LOOK WHAT GOOD DIVERSITY AND DIFF. CAN DO 4 THE USA. 3RD Q OOOOHHH GOD I WISH I DID BUT U GOTS 2 PAY 4 ANY KIND OF HAPPINESS LIKE BIRDS OR ??????? AND GOD HELP U IF YOUR F'N NEIGHBOR DOESN'T HAVE SOMETHING 2 BITCH ABOUT AND MAKE U LISENCE OR GET RID OF. MARK IF YOU GET THIS I PRAISE YOU! KEEP FLYING MY FRIEND AT HEART!

5/30/07
Elyria, Ohio

A wonderfully informative and touching program. Please show more similar programs. The animals and man are all part of the family of species on earth. We need each other. Mark Bittner has shown this.I know that animals share human emotions. I have pets. When one of my cats lost her very close kitten companion suddenly to cardiomyopathy, she searched all over the house in vain for her, and now, occupies a different level of the house. She has not yet formed another bond as close as that one was. They used to sleep wrapped around each other. It is very, very touching.

5/30/07
Dot Haar
Dillsburg, Pa

What a wonderful film! Mark should be given a medal for his undying devotion to these birds.I was in awe of these creatures and how they interact with each other and with Mark.I am glad he has be able to come back and resume his love affair with these beautiful birds. Thanks to the film crew for a beautiful story of caring and love. Non-native species should be allowed to co-exist, San Francisco is proof that it can work and not disrupt the ecosystem.