A band of exotic non-native parrots (abandoned by pet owners) invades a San Francisco neighborhood.
That story alone is worth a watch.
But then the birds pick this colorful guy to be their best friend.
“Wild Parrots” reminds me of “My Octopus Teacher”.
So I added it to my list of “Documentaries Like ‘My Octopus Teacher'” (I’m up to 7 docs on that list!).
Trailer for “The Wild Parrots of Telegraph Hill”
Watch “The Wild Parrots of Telegraph Hill”
I don’t see any place to watch the documentary right now.
Here’s A.I.’s best take on why it’s not showing anywhere:
“The Wild Parrots of Telegraph Hill” is currently not streaming on any platforms primarily because it was originally produced in standard definition (SD), which is no longer accepted by most streaming services that require high-definition (HD) content.
The film has undergone a significant restoration process to convert it into a 4K digital format, which has allowed it to return to theaters for its 20th anniversary. The distribution will be handled by Ro*Co Films, which indicates that it will eventually reach streaming services, but the exact timeline remains unspecified.
Source: Perplexity.AI
Check back here as any streaming options get added: https://www.justwatch.com/us/movie/the-wild-parrots-of-telegraph-hill
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Ratings:
- My Rating: /100
- IMDB Rating: /10
- Rotten Tomatoes Ratings: /100 (Users); /100 (Critics)
Release Date: February 18, 2005
My Review of “The Wild Parrots of Telegraph Hill”
“The Wild Parrots of Telegraph Hill” is the unusual story of Mark Bittner, a former street musician, who forms a unique bond with a flock of wild parrots in San Francisco.
Bittner, with no formal training, becomes their unofficial caretaker, feeding and watching over them.
The Parrot Phenom
The arrival of the parrots alone is worthy of a doc.
The parrots—mainly red-masked parakeets—are not native.
They’re escapees or former pets.
Now, they thrive in the cool, urban climate. Despite hailing from warmer regions, these birds have made the city’s windy Telegraph Hill their home.
Nobody knew where they came from. But the birds became local legends.
How It All Started
The film, directed by Judy Irving, began as a modest project.
Irving, a nature filmmaker, was intrigued by the bright green and red parrots that mysteriously appeared in San Francisco’s Telegraph Hill neighborhood.
Bittner’s story was as unexpected as the parrots.
What’s magnetic is how Bittner talks about the birds.
He doesn’t see them as wildlife. To him, they’re individuals with distinct personalities.
Mingus, one parrot, prefers dancing over flying. Connor, the “alpha bird,” commands respect but shows vulnerability too.
These aren’t just birds—they’re full characters.
After years of drifting, he found himself squatting in a small cottage on Telegraph Hill.
His life lacked direction until he began feeding the parrots. Soon, they became his focus, filling an emptiness inside him.
The Heart of the Documentary
What’s most touching is how the doc mixes nature with personal growth.
Bittner talks openly about his struggles and failures, including his aimless years before discovering the parrots.
The connection between Bittner’s newfound purpose and his relationship with the birds is obvious.
It mirrors his own search for freedom and belonging.
But the film isn’t just about Bittner.
The birds are captivating. You watch their playful squabbles, tender moments, and see how some form lifelong bonds with each other.
Connor, the alpha parrot, even develops a close bond with Bittner.
In one touching scene, a parrot nuzzles Bittner, showing a bond that feels surprisingly emotional.
Unexpected Challenges
The documentary doesn’t shy away from uncertainty.
Bittner faces eviction from his Telegraph Hill cottage. What will happen to his relationship with the birds?
Meanwhile, nobody knows for sure how the parrots ended up in San Francisco.
Some think they were pets released by owners. Others believe they escaped from pet stores.
Either way, they’ve adapted, thriving in an environment that wasn’t meant for them.
“The Wild Parrots of Telegraph Hill” raises tough questions.
What do we owe to the wild creatures we form bonds with?
How does human intervention impact their lives?
The film doesn’t offer easy answers but lets viewers grapple with these questions themselves.
A Deeper Connection
Irving’s approach isn’t just about observation.
She delves into the deep relationship between people and nature.
Bittner never tries to tame the parrots or turn them into pets.
He respects their wildness, allowing them to come and go freely.
This respect is at the heart of the documentary.
It shows that sometimes the best way to connect with nature is to let it be.
It’s a refreshing take in a world where human interaction with wildlife often leans toward control.
Filming and Reception
Judy Irving’s direction is careful and deliberate.
She captures the beauty of San Francisco and the grace of the parrots in flight.
The cinematography is stunning, especially when bright green parrots fly against the foggy cityscape.
The film received widespread critical acclaim.
Its quiet, reflective tone resonated with audiences, encouraging them to think deeply about their own relationships with animals and nature.
What Happened After?
After the documentary’s release, Bittner’s life changed.
He published a memoir, The Wild Parrots of Telegraph Hill, exploring his experience with the birds in more detail.
The film sparked discussions about feeding wild animals and the ethics of human-wildlife relationships.
The Telegraph Hill parrots became beloved figures in San Francisco, and their presence continued to intrigue people.
Legacy
“The Wild Parrots of Telegraph Hill” is a timeless documentary because it taps into universal themes of belonging and purpose.
It’s a film about unexpected connections, the delicate balance between human and wild, and finding meaning in the smallest actions.
What stays with you long after watching is the idea that animals, even in an urban environment, have rich emotional lives.
Bittner’s story isn’t just about purpose—it’s about respecting the creatures we share the world with and understanding that sometimes the best way to care for them is to let them be free.
Director: Judy Irving, 2005, 83 minutes.
Thanks for reading!
Rob Kelly, Chief Maniac, Daily Doc