But Bittner must move soon, because his apartment needs to be renovated. That apartment, high on the hill with a view of Alcatraz and the bay, has served as a cafeteria, hospital and parrot lounge for the wild flock. It started out with fascination and bewilderment. You walk along, and maybe you're blue about something. Then this big flock of parrots comes flying overhead, and you just laugh because they're so eccentric.
Neighbors say parrot squawks fit right in with the sounds of the city and the waterfront below.
Many of the birds are tame enough to be fed by hand, and some have names and distinct personalities. This is Sophie and Picasso. They do love each other, too. She's very loyal to him. Pondering the parrots' future Bittner says he doesn't want to be known as the bird man, or parrot man, of Telegraph Hill.