News Release

New exhibit explores wild side of Alcatraz Island

More than nine species of birds can be found on the 22-acre island.

NPS/Tory Starling

News Release Date: July 31, 2024 SAN FRANCISCO—A new exhibit on Alcatraz Island showcases the lesser-known inhabitants of the former prison. Birds in a Changing Climate, a multi-media interpretive display created by National Park Service staff, explores the island’s different species of the waterbirds, some of which nest nowhere else in the San Francisco Bay.

The national landmark has long been known as the site of a closed federal penitentiary, but it established itself as sanctuary for birds before humans ever stepped foot on the island. In fact, the name Alcatraz comes from an 18th century Spanish explorer who deemed the island "Isle de los Alctraces" or "Island of the Seabirds”.

“This experience provides visitors the opportunity to learn about island wildlife through a natural history perspective,” said Lidia D’Amico, staff biologist and collaborator on the exhibit. “Most people come to Alcatraz not knowing they can see waterbirds mating, nesting, rearing and even hunting. The island offers a unique chance to see this behavior up close, as most seabird colonies in the Bay Area are inaccessible.”

The exhibit highlights the work of NPS biologists who monitor and protect this diverse assemblage of bird life, which includes cormorants, black-crowned night-herons, pigeon guillemots and snowy egrets. Alcatraz is also home to peregrine falcons, whose nest was recently shown on a livestream webcam for the first time earlier this year.

Birds of a Changing Climate is in the island’s New Industries Building, which is generally open Tuesday and Thursday–Saturday from 3 p.m. to 4:45 p.m. (and other days/times depending on staff availability).  

More information about island bird life can be found on the Alcatraz website or by contacting Bill Merkle, biologist and acting chief of the park’s natural resources team.