Bittner was born in
Vancouver, Washington, on November 29, 1951. He spent 14 years on the streets of San Francisco after his dream of becoming a professional musician fell apart. After many years of doing odd jobs while maintaining a
The Dharma Bums-type lifestyle, he found a
flock of naturalized parrots (mostly cherry-headed conures, also known as
red-masked parakeets) in the area of
Telegraph Hill. He was among those who persuaded the
San Francisco Board of Supervisors to pass an
ordinance prohibiting the practice. He was a member of the
South End Rowing Club. Bittner died of a heart attack in
Arcata, California, on March 1, 2026, at the age of 74. ==References==