In 1993, while working as a caretaker for an estate on Telegraph Hill, I started up a relationship with an exotic flock of wild parrots, which led to a book and a documentary film, both titled The Wild Parrots of Telegraph Hill. I married the filmmaker, Judy Irving, and today we live on Telegraph Hill.

Where is Mark Bittner now?

As for Bittner, another true San Francisco character, he's still working on his book, “Street Song,” about the years he spent homeless before finding parrot friendship and fame. He thinks he'll be done in a year. He still lives on Telegraph Hill, in a home he and Irving own near his old cottage.

Where are the parrots of Telegraph Hill now?

Today, the parrots of Telegraph Hill can be spotted all over the city, and have been spotted as far south as Brisbane.