‘Birdman of Alcatraz’ misconception

A common myth holds that Robert Stroud, the so-called "Birdman of Alcatraz," kept and studied birds while imprisoned on Alcatraz Island. Historical records show Stroud conducted his noted ornithological research while incarcerated at Leavenworth Federal Penitentiary; when he was later held at Alcatraz (1934–1959) he did not keep birds there. Alcatraz operated as a federal penitentiary from 1934 to 1963 and is now managed as part of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area with visitor ferries departing from Pier 33.