Alcatraz Island’s new exhibit, “Birds in a Changing Climate” is 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 “Isla de los Alcatraces” 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 egret.

Birds of a Changing Climate is located in the 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).

Located inside the New Industries Building, Alcatraz Island

In 1969, a group of Native American activists calling themselves the Indians of All Tribes arrived on Alcatraz. Joining the Civil Rights Movement and Vietnam War protests of the time, these Indians spoke out against the US Government’s Termination Policy and the broader plight of American Indians.

The NPS developed this exhibit in partnership with Indians of All Tribes, an ongoing organization that educates Indians and non-Indian supporters and friends about the history and development of Indian tribes and their peoples throughout the Americas from Alaska to South America.

The exhibit tells the story of their 19-month occupation of the Island and their continued work to improve the treatment of Native American people. The exhibit opened on Alcatraz Island in November 2019 and contains photographs by Ilka Hartmann, Stephen Shames and Brooks Townes, and original materials from the collection of Kent Blansett, as well as contributions from the community of veteran occupiers.

Alcatraz Landing Interpretive Program

Pier 33 Alcatraz Landing

Before or after your trip to the Island, be sure to walk the stations positioned around the Landing area, including a scale model of Alcatraz Island, civil war cannon, and stories detailing the many facets of life on the Island.