Alcatraz Island
Alcatraz Island is part of Golden Gate National Recreation Area. Welcome to Golden Gate NPS social media account. Please be considerate of other fan's opinions.
Alcatraz Island offers a close-up look at the site of the first lighthouse and US built fort on the West Coast, the infamous federal penitentiary long off-limits to the public, and the 18 month occupation by Indians of All Tribes which saved the tribes. Rich in history, there is also a natural side to the Rock—gardens, tide pools, bird colonies, and bay views beyond compare. We hope this will beco
08/10/2024
Over the summer keep your eyes out for these adorable Western gull chicks! With gray bodies and black spots, these birds are sometimes mistaken for snowy plover chicks. Gull eggs also have spots on them and are gray or light brown color to them. These gulls typically lay 2-3 eggs and the eggs are incubated by both parents for 30 days before they hatch. The gull parents feed their chicks 3-6 times a day until they are fledglings. While adult gulls will eat just about anything they can find, gull parents feed their chicks an all-natural diet, consisting mostly of fish. Alcatraz Island is home to over 850 pairs of Western Gulls and is the largest Western Gull colony in the San Francisco Bay. Gull parents are very protective, and squawk when people get too close to their nest or chicks. If a gull is squawking at you, please take a few steps back until they stop squawking.
You can learn more about the birds on Alcatraz by visiting our new exhibit in the New Industries Building or checking out our waterbird webpage. https://ow.ly/Xige50SRGaT
Poster Text:
Western Gull Eggs
Typically light gray or light brown in appearance. They have spotted shells and red-orange egg yolks. The eggs take 30 days to hatch.
Western Gull Chick
The chicks are gray, spotted, and fuzzy. After around 6 weeks, chicks begin flapping their wings to get their muscles ready for flying.
Western Gull Fledgling
They have darker gray feathers than the chicks and larger spots on their wings. They will practice flapping their wings for a couple weeks and at 7-8 weeks, the chicks take flight and are considered fledged.
Adult Western Gull
Adults have yellow beaks, white necks, dark gray and black wing feathers. It takes 4 years for gulls to reach their full adult stage.
08/05/2024
Walking the boardwalks, sunlight becomes more than just light; it begins to appear as a symbol for those incarcerated. Amidst cold and darkness that can be present in the Bay, light represents the possibility of freedom, redemption, and a brighter future.
People incarcerated on Alcatraz often preferred staying on C or D-Block, this side saw the most sun and light. It was considered the Ritz rooms. It is also where solitary confinement can be found.
The sounds from parties at the San Fransico yacht club would travel over the bay and men incarcerated could hear and enjoy the music. Sometimes smell of chocolate from Ghirardelli’s could be picked up. The close approximation of Alcatraz to San Francisco made it especially difficult for those incarcerated due to those reminders.
Talking with former resident Bill Baker, he noted the sun coming in would be a reminder that he was on spending another day on Alcatraz; also that there was a new day coming. Light can help be a reminder of the passage of time, with beams that peak into and dance across the boardwalks.
Can you relate to watching light standing near a favorite window? Al mal tiempo, buena cara.
NPS Photos by Ashley Borrego
07/08/2024
Bienvenido! Feliz Luz Lunes!
This summer, every other Monday, we will share new angles and illuminate stories on Alcatraz that are relatable to everyone. Stay tuned to see Alcatraz Island in a new light.
Color, beauty, and life delight many guests on Alcatraz. The shadows make the sunflowers seem brighter, and the poppies seem to catch the sun, but the pink of the calandrina flower is the closest we get to a sunset some days. As one of the only national parks that tells the history of incarceration and has beautiful gardens buzzing with life, we have partnered with the Insight Garden Program to support therapeutic gardens. We support the program at Central California Women's Facility by sourcing plants from Planting Justice to plant inside and on Alcatraz and helping lead lessons on gardening, climate change, and local ecosystems.
We invite you to hear about this partnership and explore healing through nature with Andrew Winn, Executive Director of the Insight Garden Program, as part of the Formerly Incarcerated Speaker Series. This summer, in partnership with the , the event will take place off the island at the Main Branch 100 Larkin Street on Saturday, July 13th, from 2 pm – 3:30 pm.
NPS photos / Ashley Borrego
It's and something’s afoot with the Peregrine Falcons on Alcatraz…Get it? A foot? Because this Peregrine Falcon fledgling is eating a foot! Peregrines don’t waste any part of their prey—the Alcatraz Peregrines have been seen swallowing whole legs, beaks, and even entire skulls of their avian prey. Peregrines, like many other raptors, will regurgitate any parts of their meal that are not digestible in a ball of feathers and bone known as a pellet.
Video Description: A young Peregrine Falcon picks at part of pigeon on a windy cliffside, before picking up the entire leg and foot, and swallowing it whole. The falcon is dark brown, with golden edges to the feathers on its back.
Video Credit: D. Solorzano-Jones
Nesting season is in full swing on the island! When you visit, keep your eyes peeled for these and many more birds. There might even be volunteer waterbird docents on the island to help YOU know which bird is which. You won’t be able the miss the Western Gulls, our favorite bay-gulls!
Video description: Opening shot of a female ranger with black hair in a flat hat standing in front of a large body of water points at a cliff face covered with large black birds. A shot different female ranger in glasses standing in front of a vegetated hillside. A closeup of large black bird sitting on white rocks. Secondary shot of female ranger with dark hair standing in front of shrubbery points to a partially hidden white bird. Another shot of female Ranger with glasses standing in front of wall with vegetation and bird nest. The Alcatraz Cell house and lighthouse are in the background. A close-up of white bird in large shrubs. Another shot of female ranger with dark hair pointing to a large pair of birds on a rock wall with flowers. Shot of female ranger with glasses, leaning on rail, looking out into the San Francisco Bay. Back to female ranger with dark hair in front of Rockwall, then cuts to female ranger with glasses in front of the administration building. Then a shot of geese.
🐋 Whale. Whale. Whale... what do we have here? 🐋
During spring high tides, migrating whales can often be seen inside the Golden Gate, like this gray whale spotted from Alcatraz Island. Note how many birds are in this video. One technique for spotting whales is to look for groups of birds, interested in food below the surface.
Learn more about whales in the San Francisco Bay from The Marine Mammal Center
🎥: GGNPC / D. Spinola
05/18/2024
🛑 Gosling crossing! 🛑
Canada Goslings are commonly spotted around Alcatraz in the spring.
Goslings hatch with yellow feathers called down. These feathers turn light grey or an olive-green color as the birds age.
The goslings eat grasses, undergrowth and other vegetation. Goslings are able to feed themselves shortly after hatching. They follow their parent's example to see what they can eat. Between 4-8 weeks they start to grow their flight feathers in and start trying to fly after 10 weeks.
Their goose parents are very protective of them so please keep at least 6 feet back if you see them on the island.
To learn more about waterbirds on Alcatraz, visit: https://www.nps.gov/alca/learn/nature/waterbirds.htm
NPS 📷: Jacqueline Quale
Everyone, Everywhere: *logs into the Alcatraz Peregrine Falcon Nest Livestream, expecting to see adorable chicks*
Nest: *empty, no peregrine falcons in view*
Everyone, Everywhere: WHERE ARE THE FALCONS?
Worry not, dear watchers! The peregrine falcon chicks are alive and well! As they grow older, the chicks begin to explore their surroundings, and wander out of view! The falcon nest cavern here on Alcatraz is actually quite large and has a second “room” behind the camera. During the day, the chicks are exploring, and may not be visible. Tune in early in the morning, or late at night to see them sleeping under the watchful eye of Larry (or in this case of this video, jumping on Larry’s tail!)
Video Description:
A black and white view of the Peregrine Falcon nest on Alcatraz Island early in the morning, showing four nearly fledged falcon chicks, and the female Peregrine in their rocky cave nest. The four falcon chicks flap their wings and preen their feathers while Larry (the adult female) looks on. Then, one of the four chicks jumps on Larry’s tail feathers several times, until Larry has had enough and moves away, before finally leaving the nest.
Some days being a mom is ☀️ and 🌈. Some days being a mom is 💩.
Whatever today holds in store for you, we wish you a wonderful Mother's Day, from this falcon family to yours.
Enjoy 24/7 Peregrine antics, and watch Lawrencium's growing family on the Alcatraz Peregrine Falcon Livestream:
https://parksconservancy.org/falconcam
Video Description: Black and white footage of a downy chick defecating onto its sleeping parent.
When a peregrine falcon chick on Alcatraz flaps its wings... Our peregrine falcon chicks are growing up right before our eyes! Just a few weeks ago they were tiny, downy fluff balls, and now they're growing their flight feathers! As their feathers come in, chicks must exercise their flight muscles by flapping their wings. Enjoy a 24/7 view into the Alcatraz Peregrine Falcon nest on the FalconCam. Link is in the comments!
Video description: 4 fluffy peregrine falcon chicks in a rocky cave on Alcatraz group together in their nest. The chicks are covered with an under layer of white fluffy down feathers, with some brown, juvenile feathers poking through. One of the 4 chicks flaps its wings vigorously, and tips forward off balance.
05/03/2024
*screeching intensifies*
The Alcatraz Peregrine Falcon Nest Livestream is finally live! Enjoy a bird’s eye view into an active Peregrine Falcon nest, 24 hours a day!
Lawrencium (Larry for short) has nested on Alcatraz Island for 4 years—this season, Larry and her mate have successfully hatched four adorable, fluffy chicks. Watch as these youngsters go from downy hatchlings to fully-feathered fledglings over the next few weeks.
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04/30/2024
Nothing is certain except death and taxes... and laundry! The Alcatraz laundresses played a very important role at Fort Alcatraz. Laundresses did the washing for companies of soldiers, a hard but important role necessary for military order and health. This was one of the only jobs for women with the military in the 1800s. On Alcatraz, most laundresses were Irish immigrants, including Bridget Madden. She was 34 when she appears in the 1870 census as one of five laundresses on Fort Alcatraz. She had 4 kids and was married to John Madden, a soldier at the Fort. What roles do you play in your community?
Learn more about what Bridget’s life and role would have been like in the article “Women on Fort Alcatraz” on our website or come to a guided Ranger Tour!
NPS Photo, Library of Congress
https://www.nps.gov/articles/000/women-on-fort-alcatraz.htm
Happy !
They're here! Four Peregrine Falcon chicks have hatched over the last week! Check out this video from our nestcam and visit the link in our bio to see the playlist.
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🎥: NPS Video
Video Description: Video begins with "Alcatraz Falcon Fridays". A series of clips showing the inside of a rocky cave, where two peregrine falcons have a nest. The first clip is the female falcon sitting on her nest, with two broken eggshells visible underneath her. The next clip shows two tiny, white, downy peregrine chicks sleeping on two unhatched eggs. The next clips show all four hatched peregrine chicks huddled together in the nest, yawning and sleeping. The next clip shows the male peregrine standing next to the pile of chicks in the nest, and then trying to, but not succeeding, sit on top of all four chicks to keep them warm. Finally, the female peregrine, who is larger, arrives, the male flies out of the nest, and the female tucks all four chicks underneath her. The screen goes black, and then says "To be continued..."
We have some eggciting news! The peregrine falcons on Alcatraz Island have 4 chicks on the way.
Did you know? Female peregrines usually only begin incubating eggs when the second-to-last egg is laid, somehow knowing when this is. Delayed incubation is done to ensure the eggs all hatch close together in time to facilitate chick rearing and reduce competition in the nest with siblings.
🎥: NPS Video
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Video Description: Video begins with "Alcatraz Peregrine Falcon Nest 2024". A series of clips showing the inside of a rocky cave, where two peregrine falcons have a nest. Initially, they are using their body to scrape out the nest bowl, and then over several clips each egg is revealed as the bird in the nest stands up, until 4 eggs are seen in the nest bowl--although sometimes the bird remains seated on the nest, revealing no eggs. Later in the video, the two peregrines switch places sitting on the eggs, revealing all 4 eggs before the other adult bird sits on the eggs once more. When the adult birds switch spots, there is quite a bit of calling back and forth between the adults. Finally, a tiny crack in one egg is revealed for just a moment, before being covered by the adult birds wing, and the video fades to black. Final credits say "To be continued..." and "See you next Falcon Friday!"
Falcon Fridays are making a comeback!
Check out this pair of Peregrines displaying a courtship behavior of “bowing” to each other. This is a pair-bond reinforcement gesture for these two falcons who built a nest and laid eggs which should be hatching any day now. Stay Tuned!
🎥: NPS Video
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Video Description:
A bird lowers its head inside of a dark rocky area. Another bird flies in and makes the same head-bowing gesture. The two bow for over a minute. After about two minutes, the first bird flies off.
02/09/2024
🎵 "A well a bird, bird, bird, the bird is the word..." 🎵
Alcatraz is home to many different species of birds, who come back every spring to nest and is considered a bird sanctuary. The Black Crowned Night Heron is one of the many birds that nest on Alcatraz Island.
Night Herons enjoy hunting for food at night and eat fish, crabs, aquatic insects, mussels, and rodents. Last nesting season these birds created about 100 nests on the island. They make their nests in dense brush or trees near a source of water.
They seem to be particularly fond of the stands of English Ivy on Alcatraz. Keep an eye out for these birds returning in the upcoming weeks!
Which birds make their home in your area?
📷:NPS / Jacqueline Quale
01/30/2024
11/30/2023
On November 20th, we commemorated the Indians of All Tribes Occupation of Alcatraz. Thanks to all who gave their time, opened their hearts, and shared their stories on this important day. Learn more about this event and view more photos:
https://www.nps.gov/goga/learn/historyculture/alcatraz-occupation.htm
https://flic.kr/s/aHBqjB4cfC
Photos by Tory Starling / NPS
11/19/2023
The of Alcatraz was an effort to bring attention to many issues affecting the American Indian community. In the same fashion, began as an effort to bring attention to the horrible acts of violence committed against Indigenous people, particularly women and children. Throughout the week surrounding November 19, people are encouraged to wear red as a symbol of the loss of sacred lifeblood through violence.
On Alcatraz Island, we wear red to raise awareness and draw attention to those who are murdered or missing—you are not forgotten.
Learn more: https://www.nps.gov/articles/000/red-shaw-day.htm
📷: NPS / M. Connelly
10/16/2023
10/09/2023
Want to work on Alcatraz Island next summer?
Apply today: https://www.usajobs.gov/job/753331100
10/01/2023
🏅Staff at the Dorothy Buell Memorial Visitor Center were delighted to swear in a new Junior Ranger this week!
Ranger Lori worked for 30 years on Alcatraz Island, part of Golden Gate National Recreation Area. At "the Rock" Ranger Lori was instrumental in coordinating their interpretive volunteer program, annual Alumni reunion, and Native American celebrations.
We wish Ranger Lori a continued happy retirement and all the best as she continues to travel the country and enjoy America's best idea!
Image credit: Nikki Haines
Alt text: Ranger Cookie swears in retired Ranger Lori as a Junior Ranger from behind the front desk at Indiana Dunes National Park's visitor center.
09/19/2023
*VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITY*
Want to work with K-12 students? Fascinated by the geology at your feet? Want to know more about the magic of the ancient redwood forest? Provoked by the possibilities of archaeological investigation? Do historic forts fascinate you? The Golden Gate National Recreation Area is now recruiting Education Volunteers!
Education Volunteers work together with National Park Service staff to host school classroom field trips to Alcatraz, Crissy Field, Fort Point, the Marin Headlands or Muir Woods. Applications are due by September 20th, 2024.
⌚ Preferred Commitment 1 day per week (3-6 hours/day)
📅 Work a flexible weekday schedule from Tuesday thru Friday
🌞 Inspire the next generation through science, history, and nature
💡 Develop skills in inquiry and placed-based learning
🌼 Be in a National Park every day!
🤠 Hear from a Ranger!
Passionate about history? Check out the History Education Volunteer position description at https://ow.ly/JeX750PGZZm.
Love the environment? Visit the Science Education Volunteer position description at https://ow.ly/gnnu50PGZZl.
Credit: NPS Photo I Kirke Wrench
09/09/2023
Have you visited Alcatraz Island and wished you could pull off one of the fabulous feathered looks you saw there? Well, this week we are making it easier for you with the island’s “Steal Their Look” ensembles.
You don't even need a runway to take a flight of fancy in any one of these high fashion ensembles. Our feathered friends provide inspiration for every season. Some may say fashion is for the birds, but on Alcatraz, fashion is serious business.
Check out our fledgling venture below.
📷: NPS / M. Barnes
08/28/2023
Fish: its what's for breakfast!
A predigested meal of regurgitated fresh fish is a healthy and protein-rich way to start the day if you are a rapidly growing Western Gull chick. Western Gull chicks go from hatching to flying in 6 weeks. Therefore, a diet with high-quality protein is essential to their successful development.
📷: NPS Photo / M. Barnes
Photo Description: Three young Western Gull chicks with mottled gray colored down with dark spots wait patiently for a small fish hanging out of the beak of an adult gull.
08/21/2023
, the was signed into law, creating the National Historic Landmarks Program. Each National Historic Landmark represents an outstanding aspect of American history and culture. There are over 2,600 NHLs nationwide and about 200 are within National Park units.
On January 17, 1986, Alcatraz Island became a National Historic Landmark District. A district encompasses multiple historic buildings, sites, and/or structures.
Alcatraz Island has been the site of many important events that have impacted the nation as a whole. It was the first lighthouse lit on the Pacific Coast. It served as a key fort, with the first permanent guns on the West Coast. The fort became the first army prison in the nation holding soldiers and conscientious objectors. It transitioned from a disciplinary barracks into an infamous federal penitentiary. Following the closure of the prison, the island was a site of political protest. The Indian Occupation highlighted the struggle for indigenous sovereignty and self-determination.
Read more about the Historic Sites Act of 1935: https://www.nps.gov/subjects/archeology/historic-sites-act.htm
Read more about the National Historic Landmarks Program: https://www.nps.gov/subjects/nationalhistoriclandmarks/our-mission.htm
📷: NPS / W. Elder
08/08/2023
Did you know that Alcatraz Island is home to about 15,000 birds in the summer months?
Right now, baby birds like Peregrine falcons, Brandt's cormorants, Snowy egrets, Western gulls, and Pigeon guillemots are taking their first steps and flights. You may have noticed that some parts of the park are closed off to protect these youngsters. NPS scientists, partners, and volunteers are monitoring bird populations closely to see how the birds are affected by human influence.
The fireworks display last month was a major event for birds on the island. Scientists stayed overnight to observe. The repeating bright flashes of light and loud booms caused birds to leave their nests/eggs/young, run, flush (fly suddenly). Scientists counted the birds before, during, and after the event to gather data about how fireworks influence the bird population on the island.
Want to learn more about seabird monitoring on Alcatraz? Visit our partner's website to see the reports and more.
Alcatraz — Farallon Institute
http://www.faralloninstitute.org/alcatraz-data
08/07/2023
Today is !
Alcatraz Island was the site the first operating lighthouse on the West Coast. The original tower was completed in 1854. In 1909, the construction of the main prison necessitated the taller lighthouse tower that exists today. The new tower stands about 84 feet tall now (previously 50ft). Both lighthouses were operated by lighthouse keepers. Its guiding light can be seen miles away at night.
In the foggy environs of the San Francisco Bay, the keepers also operated fog horns. They would be alerted by the officers from their towers when they saw fog rolling into the Bay and the keepers would then activate them.
Do you have a favorite lighthouse?
📷: US National Archives / NPS
08/04/2023
the (GAOA) was passed in 2020. Over $100 million has been dedicated to Alcatraz Island through the GAOA National Parks and Public Lands Legacy Restoration Fund. This important funding will serve to enhance visitor access and protect important cultural resources.
Construction is underway on the island's fixed wharf, first installed in 1939. Visitors have been arriving to Alcatraz via this fixed wharf since it became a part of Golden Gate National Recreation Area in 1972. This crucial project will ensure safe visitor access to this site for years to come.
Next year construction is anticipated to begin on the Main Prison Building. Soldiers incarcerated by the U.S. Army constructed the Main Prison between 1909 and 1912. This project will bring important seismic upgrades and structural rehabilitation to this 111-year-old structure.
Learn more about Stabilizing 1939 Alcatraz Island Fixed Wharf: https://www.nps.gov/articles/000/central-to-visitor-access-stabilizing-1939-alcatraz-island-wharf.htm
Learn more about Structural Upgrades for Alcatraz Main Prison Building: https://www.nps.gov/articles/000/structural-upgrades-for-alcatraz-prison-hospital-wing.htm
📷: NPS / Will Elder
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