Mark Bittner

Mark Bittner (November 29, 1951 – March 1, 2026) was an American writer. He was the author of The Wild Parrots of Telegraph Hill, the book which accompanies the film The Wild Parrots of Telegraph Hill.

Life and career Bittner was born in Vancouver, Washington, on November 29, 1951.

He spent 14 years on the streets of San Francisco after his dream of becoming a professional musician fell apart. After many years of doing odd jobs while maintaining a The Dharma Bums-type lifestyle, he found a flock of naturalized parrots (mostly cherry-headed conures, also known as red-masked parakeets) in the area of Telegraph Hill. He was among those who persuaded the San Francisco Board of Supervisors to pass an ordinance prohibiting the practice.

He was a member of the South End Rowing Club.

Bittner died of a heart attack in Arcata, California, on March 1, 2026, at the age of 74.