Birdmen of Alcatraz

ALCATRAZ--
The famous Birdman, Robert Stroud,
never owned a bird on Alcatraz.
He authored scientific studies
on caged canaries from his cage in Leavenworth.

Today's birdman of Alcatraz, a ranger named Chris,
never owned a bird here, either,
free as the herons, seagulls, and cormorants he studies.

Armed federal guards monitored Mr. Stroud,
While the ranger acts as an unarmed federal guardian
of the birds he monitors.
Robert Stroud incited riots, biding time in isolation.
This modern man keeps peace between
nesting gulls and swarming tourists.
One was a ward of the Department of Justice,
the other a steward of the Department of the Interior.

They have but one thing in common, in their respective times:
They both serve Life on Alcatraz.