Ambitious city-hikers visiting San Francisco often
climb to Coit Tower at the top of Telegraph Hill and descend either of
two three-block sets of stairs. Those who choose the Greenwich Steps may
find the flock of wild, squawking parrots flying about or sitting in the
lush greenery. This is also the habitat of Mark Bittner, a struggling
musician who lived on the streets before finding a home and falling in
love with the mysterious birds in this urban green-space.
The fascinating story has been recounted in his book
and a documentary film by Judy Irving, both named The Wild
Parrots of Telegraph Hill. Ebert and Roeper gave the documentary “two
thumbs up” in March. So far the film has been scheduled for nearly 200
markets, a remarkable feat for a non-profit producer.
Q What is it like going from
impoverished hermit to being on a national book promotion tour?
A Now I’m an impoverished traveler,
but I’m enjoying seeing the country. I hadn’t been on a plane for 30
years.
Q You took care of the parrots and
the parrots took care of you. Was the exchange equal?
A It was mutually beneficial. At
first, it was entertainment for me, then study, then something deeper. I
worried I might be causing harm by feeding the parrots, removing their
fear of humans. I debated whether I was helping them or harming them.
There was so much good for me. In retrospect, it was fairly equal. I gave
them the chance to find good nest holes on full bellies. The focus on
them protected them from government biologists who wanted to exterminate
them because they were non-native species. I don’t think that will happen
now.
Q Were you ever concerned about
catching some disease from the birds, especially when you nursed sick
ones who bit you and cleaned your teeth?
A Onl
y in the vaguest way at the
beginning. I never did get sick, but then, I was in love. When you’re in
love you take chances.
Q Early in the book you refer to
Gary Snyder’s concept of a “dharma bum”, or a seeker of enlightenment.
You wrote: “I didn’t want to be a dharma bum. I wanted to have a
girlfriend and be happy.” So why didn’t you go straight and get a job?
A It was too late by then. No one goes
on the path of search knowing what he or she is getting into. By the time
I understood, I was too far in to turn around.
Q Throughout the book you give
examples of how the universe provides. How you found places to sleep; how
the women at the bakery gave you bags of bread and pastries when you had
only a quarter for one roll. How long did it take for you to recognize
that support is there?
A It was a gradual realization. I was
uneasy at first, but knew I was not working for my own selfish ends. If
you’re working for the good of the whole, you are taken care of.
Q Trust is a huge value in the
book. Do you continue to practice building trust in your relationships?
A Yes, it’s become part of my toolkit
for life. Every time you cut a corner, you break trust. It can be
rebuilt, but it takes time.
Q What’s next?
A The parrots opened the
door to my life’s purpose – writing. My next book will be about my time
on the street. That part had to be condensed down to one chapter in this
book.
