Mark Bittner saves "The Wild Parrots of Telegraph Hill"

Even fame doesn't protect some animals from those who need an extra dose of compassion.

"The Wild Parrots of Telegraph Hill," a flock of wild parrots that took up residence on a hill overlooking the San Francisco bay, have been the subject of a book and a documentary. They also have become a tourist draw. So, you'd think the trees in which they live--the ones that have shielded the birds from predators and sheltered their young--would be protected, yet one of the three trees was cut down this week. While two other trees remain, the birds that lived in the trees were spooked away by the chainsaws and have yet to return.

AP reports that all three trees would be history if it weren't for Mark Bittner, the author who brought attention to the bright green and red birds that have delighted tourists and residents for years. Standing in front of the remaining two trees, he prevented the crew from touching the remaining two trees. The owner of the trees fears the trees are rotting and wants them removed as a safety precaution, but Bittner and others are still negotiating to save the remaining trees and hope their famous birds will return shortly.

Bittner has adopted two of the birds who were injured. On Tuesday, Bittner spoke with reporters with one of his pet parrots, Phoenix, resting on his shoulder.

Let's hope Bittner saves the trees and sees his birds return. The world needs more trees, birds, and people like Mark Bittner. Read more about Bittner, the birds, and the trees here.

Image: AP Photo/Ben Margot