Friday Funny: Parrot Quiz

Take San Francisco Weekly's quiz to find out if you are an apologist for the Wild Parrots of Telegraph Hill.

1 minute read

January 27, 2006, 2:00 PM PST

By David Gest


"Over the past few years, people the world over have been introduced to the story of the Wild Parrots of Telegraph Hill: the group of redheaded conures native to South America that use the leafy Monterey cypress trees on Telegraph Hill to sleep in, hide their young while on foraging trips, and as a stopover before continuing to other parts of the city."

"The story has been told largely through the efforts of Mark Bittner, who was living rent-free as the caretaker of a cottage when he began feeding the parrots. In recent years, the parrots' tale has had its share of controversy: John Cowen, who owns but does not reside on the property with the trees and birds, wants to tear down the trees because he says they're old, rotten, in danger of falling, and a serious liability. Bittner, who admits the birds could get along without his help, has led a vehement and high-profile movement to preserve the trees; only now does the dispute between the two men appear to be nearing a resolution. Are you an apologist for the Wild Parrots of Telegraph Hill? Take our quiz and find out!"

Wednesday, January 18, 2006 in San Francisco Weekly

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