A Field Guide to the Birds of Alcatraz Island
During my free time while working in the Alcatraz Gift Store, I put together this fully hand-drawn and hand-written field guide on the Birds of Alcatraz Island.
Below, the writing is transcribed alongside photos of the birds listed in the book, with photo credit to the National Park Service.
Introduction
What was once the country’s most infamous prison has been transformed into a flourishing sanctuary – although it’s no longer convicts who take residence on Alcatraz Island – it’s birds!
The San Francisco Bay is constantly teeming with wildlife – be it the seals and harbor porpoises who swim beneath the waters, or the dozens of avian species who surf the eastbound winds coming through the Golden Gate Bridge.
Visitors who take the ferry across the bay to Alcatraz might notice flocks of pelicans daringly darting past the ship’s hull, or seagulls gliding in its wake. Upon their arrival to the island, they will discover an even more diverse array of seabirds, each species accustomed to its niche on the rock.
The National Park Service has worked toward the protection of these birds, and conservation efforts have been put in place to minimize and prevent human disturbances. So while some areas of the island are closed off to guests to prioritize bird nesting, these stunning and quirky creatures can still be spotted during any day on the island!
This field guide depicts and describes a few of the most identifiable bird species on Alcatraz, with the hope to encourage readers to not only appreciate the history of this setting, but to also observe and respect the real-time ecosystem unfolding all around them on this special, scenic rock in San Francisco Bay!
Western Gull
Western Gulls are seen in every direction on Alcatraz – perched atop the guard tower, surfing the winds of the island’s west shore, or hunched over their nests, which are found in bushes just about anywhere in the nesting months of spring and early summer. Gulls lay 1-3 eggs per nest – brown speckled eggs that hatch to reveal a tiny grey fluffball – a baby Western Gull!
Western Gulls are the voice of the island. You can hear them squawking constantly. You may also see gulls diving near the water’s surface as they hunt for food, or even enjoying a fishy meal on land. In fact, regurgitating fish is one way that male gulls court females, to prove that they’d make a good mate during nesting season.
Photo credit: NPS
Brandt’s Cormorants
Black, sleek, and slender, Brandt’s Cormorants heavily populate the rocky cliff sides on the west side of Alcatraz during the spring months of nesting season. Cormorants are notable for a brilliant bright blue patch on their throats, which they tilt their heads back to expose in attempts to win a mate. Hundreds of cormorant nests cover the island and hatch new birds each year, showing the effectiveness of their impressive blue necks!
A true seabird, a Brandt’s Cormorant spends most of its life on open water. However, land surfaces are necessary for nesting, and the rocky cliffs and shores of the west and north edges of Alcatraz Island provide an excellent habitat for cormorants to spend their nesting season onshore.
Photo credit: NPS
Pigeon Guillemots
Pigeon Guillemots provide a splash of color to Alcatraz Island, especially on days of heavy fog and cloud cover. Their beaks and feet are bright red, contrasting with their sleek black bodies and patches of white on their wings. With their comically large foot size, guillemots can’t be missed! Looked for these funny birds in old drainage pipes and rocky crevices along the island’s edge.
Photo credit: NPS
Black-Crowned Night Heron
The black-crowned night heron is a short, stout, and flighty bird, known for being shy and very susceptible to human disturbance. With its black coloring that looks somewhat like a hat and cape, and its seemingly hunched shoulders, the night heron’s physical appearance suits his reserved demeanor. Visible from afar through binoculars, these birds keep to the rubble and shrubs of the lower southern end of the island.
Photo credit: NPS
Snowy Egret
With their shock of white head plumes, long, black beak, impressive wingspan, and gargling squawk, the snowy egret is a spectacular sight to see on Alcatraz. Keeping to the brush areas of the west side of the island, these birds appear elegant and regal against the backdrop of the Golden Gate Bridge. Survivors of near-extinction, these beautiful snowy egrets also remind admirers of the importance of preserving our planet’s species.
Photo credit: NPS
Great Blue Heron
Like the snowy egret, the great blue herons are admirable for their long limbs and elegant feathers. On Alcatraz, great blue herons reside and nest in the tall eucalyptus trees that grow in the middle of the island. Occasionally, you may hear one flap its great big wings and see as it takes flight, an astonishing sight due to the sheer size of its wings and body!
Photo credit: NPS