that was robert straud, the bird man of alcatraz. >> reporter: the team had full access to areas that are off limits to daily tourists. including the hospital wing with its dental office, x-ray room, and infirmary where al capone suffered from untreated syphilis. then there were the cells. >> i don't like this part. >> where the mentally ill were held and locked into showers. >> it is just chilling to me. >> reporter: outside the cell house, a thriving bird sanctuary. >> there are many different sea birds that nest here. >> reporter: 11 different nesting species now call alcatraz home. thanks to global warming it might be a more important sanctuary. morgan barnes is a park biologist. as oceans continue to warm, more sea birds including those nesting on the fair lawn islands may head to alcatraz for food. >> we think the fresh water into the bay can create a more stable food source for them. as climate change continues it will be really an important place for them to be nesting. >> reporter: saving alcatraz as the planet continues to warm. it's a passion project for both these men. >>