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

portrait of professional woman

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Get top-rated, practical training

Close-up of "Apartment for rent" sign in red text on black background in front of blurred building

Trump Administration Could Effectively End Housing Voucher Program

Federal officials are eyeing major cuts to the Section 8 program that helps millions of low-income households pay rent.

April 21, 2025 - Housing Wire

Logo for Planetizen Federal Action Tracker with black and white image of U.S. Capitol with water ripple overlay.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker

A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

April 30, 2025 - Diana Ionescu

Ken Jennings stands in front of Snohomish County Community Transit bus.

Ken Jennings Launches Transit Web Series

The Jeopardy champ wants you to ride public transit.

April 20, 2025 - Streetsblog USA

US and Texas flags flying in front of Texas state capitol dome in Austin, Texas.

Texas Bills Could Push More People Into Homelessness

A proposal to speed up the eviction process and a bill that would accelerate enforcement of an existing camping ban could make the state’s homelessness crisis worse, advocates say.

45 minutes ago - The Texas Tribune

Person in yellow safety suit and white helmet kneels to examine water samples outdoors on a lake shore.

USGS Water Science Centers Targeted for Closure

If their work is suspended, states could lose a valuable resource for monitoring, understanding, and managing water resources.

1 hour ago - Inside Climate News

Close-up of white panel at top of school bus with "100% electric" black text.

Driving Equity and Clean Air: California Invests in Greener School Transportation

California has awarded $500 million to fund 1,000 zero-emission school buses and chargers for educational agencies as part of its effort to reduce pollution, improve student health, and accelerate the transition to clean transportation.

April 30 - California Air Resources Board