Mark Bittner

About the Author

Mark Bittner is a San Francisco-based writer and naturalist whose fascination with urban wildlife led him to chronicle the lives of the wild parrots that have become an iconic part of the city's landscape. A former street musician and self-taught observer of nature, Bittner spent years feeding and studying the flock of cherry-headed conures that roost in Telegraph Hill, turning his personal encounters into a heartfelt narrative that blends memoir, romance, and avian adventure. His writing captures the quirky spirit of San Francisco while exploring themes of connection, loss, and the unexpected bonds formed between humans and animals in an urban environment. Bittner's story not only highlights the resilience of these colorful birds but also reflects on his own journey toward purpose and companionship amid life's uncertainties.