What's up with HILLS and MOUNTAINS???

Well, so, I watched two movies today. One was Brokeback Mountain. The other movie was The Wild Parrots of Telegraph Hill

I need some time to process BBM. So check back with me in a few days, or chat with me over coffee about that one. I'm not sure where I am on that mountain of a story.

BUT...regarding the hill. I think I must have docu-fever. I can't get enough of them right now. This documentary is about a flock of wild parrots that routinely fly to a neighborhood of San Francisco called Telegraph Hill. Mark Bittner entered into the lives of this flock simply as a curious observer. He soon became a dependable friend to the flock. The documentary captures the individual stories of these birds, their personalities and interactions. Can you believe that I actually loved learning about the birds? I even have my favorite stories!!

Connor is one of the favorites. He's a Blue Crowned Conure. The only one in this flock of Cherry Headed Conures. He had been in the flock long enough to have outlived all the other original parrots. He was not accepted as a full member of the flock because he was a different species, but he still remained with the flock. He would step up his involvement with the other individuals whenever there was an injured bird or some other random bird not accepted by the flock (a random budgie that travelled for a few days with the flock for example).

Mingus is an injured parrot that Mark cared for in his home. Mark described Mingus as "the only wild bird that didn't want to be wild." He would never take the opportunity to leave Mark's home. Part of his injury was that he had a permanently broken leg. When in good spirits, Mingus would "dance" while Mark played the guitar. The next moment, Mingus would be attacking Mark's shoes, sqwaking and arguing. Dr. Jeckyl/Mr. Hyde--ish. Mark indicated that to discipline Mingus for acting agressively, he would put him outside as opposed to placing him in a cage for "time-out." For this hurt, disabled parrot, being placed outside on the porch, in his original state of freedom, was the ulitmate punishment. He wanted the security of Mark's home.

I also loved the story of Olive and Pushkin. Simply put, Pushkin took care of the babies while Olive was recuperating. What a father! It really is a love story.

The movie is in-fact based on Mark's book by the same name. Please note the sub-title though..."a love story....with wings."

A nice story set on a hill.