Alcatraz Island in San Francisco City and County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)
Western Gulls
Nursery on the Parade Ground
Transformed from an army parade ground to a playground for the children of federal prison guards, the expanse of concrete straight ahead is now a nesting ground for Alcatraz's vast colony of western gulls. Each winter, up to 1,100 pairs of western gulls return to breed and raise their young.
Around February, the territorial, lifelong partners arrive on the island ready to fight, if necessary, for the same nesting spots they've had year after year. Using bits of vegetation and man-made debris, they build circular nests on the concrete. In April and May, for approximately 28 days, they incubate their eggs. In June, 2,000 to 3,000 chicks hatch and raise their voices, creating a screeching racket that will continue over the parade ground through July and August.
Erected by Golden Gate National Recreation Area, National Park Service.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Animals • Environment. A significant day of the year for for this entry is June 2.
Location. 37° 49.588′ N, 122° 25.298′ W. Marker is in San Francisco, California, in San Francisco City and County. It is on Alcatraz Island. This marker is near the north end of the Alcatraz Island parade ground. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: San Francisco CA 94133, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Warden's House (within shouting distance of this marker); Indian Occupation 1969-1971 (within shouting distance of this marker); Persian Carpet (within shouting distance of this marker); Alcatraz Lighthouse (within shouting distance of this marker); Lower Military Prison (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); First Escape Attempt (about 600 feet away); The Morgue (about 600 feet away); Not Just a Water Tower (about 600 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in San Francisco.
Credits. This page was last revised on February 7, 2023. It was originally submitted on May 13, 2019, by Joel Seewald of Madison Heights, Michigan. This page has been viewed 205 times since then and 10 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. submitted on May 13, 2019, by Joel Seewald of Madison Heights, Michigan. 6. submitted on August 28, 2020, by Diane Phillips of Pittsburg, California.