Last year, San Franciscans voted the wild parrot in as its official animal, charmed by the flocks that likely resulted from pet store escapees (another theory is that a truck carrying parrots crashed, and they flew from the wreckage to find a new home in the city).
The bright green birds with red heads definitely look like something from a more tropical environment—the documentary The Wild Parrots of Telegraph Hill covered their non-native arrival in the 1980s. Their time here has had a pretty unique impact on them, too: two different species (red-masked parakeets and mitred conures) have mated, forming a new hybrid bird that’s completely unique to San Francisco, as the San Francisco Chronicle reported.
The month of September is a particularly great time to look for the parrots since you may get the chance to spy adorable fluffy chicks coming out of the nest, according to SF Travel.com.
So where you can find them? In the past, you could only find them on or near Telegraph Hill, but their population has expanded so much that they’re frankly all over the city. They’re very noisy squawkers, so if you hear them, look up! Here are a few places that may increase your chances:
Sue Bierman Park (a.k.a. Ferry Park): This is very close to the Ferry Building so parrots can catch nice sea breezes. Hop across Drumm Street to Maritime Plaza where “Parrot Park” is marked on Google Maps. It’s not actually called Parrot Park, but instead a place where people regularly see them (there’s even a sign there telling you not to feed them). Also, check the palm trees at Embarcadero Plaza. You may have better luck at twilight or in the evening as the birds come here for the night.
Pioneer Park: This is the park atop Telegraph Hill that used to be a marine telegraph station. While you take in the views from Coit Tower, you can often catch the parrots hanging out in the pedestrian walkways that lead you to the top of the hill.
Ina Coolbrith Park: This Russian Hill park is named for the kick-ass librarian who mentored Jack London as a young boy. It’s only 0.8 acres, so you won’t get lost. Plus, if you can’t find the parrots, you can console yourself with sweeping views of the city.
Alamo Square: Come for the famous Victorian Painted Ladies, stay for the flamboyant parrots who flock to this Western Addition park.
Lafayette Park: Parrots are attracted to the tall trees and shrubbery here in this Pacific Heights park.
Crissy Marsh: Right next to Crissy Field East Beach across from the Presidio Tunnel Tops, this marsh attracts a plethora of birds to its 20 acres of wetlands. Walk the shoreline’s Golden Gate Promenade/Bay Trail to start counting more than 100 avian species, including, if you’re lucky, the colorful parrots.