Coastal birding habitat

C&O Canal - Fletcher's Cove (Fletcher's Boathouse)

District of Columbia · Northeast

Habitat
Coastal
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

C&O Canal - Fletcher's Cove (Fletcher's Boathouse) is a productive birding destination in District of Columbia, with 208 species recorded on eBird. This coastal habitat attracts Canada Goose, Wood Duck, and Mallard among many others. Spring and fall migration bring waves of warblers and shorebirds through the area.

Location

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Notable Species

Live Bird Data

Powered by eBird / Cornell Lab of Ornithology

Notable Sightings

Rare or unusual species spotted nearby in the last 14 days

Lincoln's Sparrow

Melospiza lincolnii

4/22/2026Wheaton Regional Park--Shorefield/mini-train tracks/Pine Lake1 observed

American Wigeon

Mareca americana

4/22/2026C&O Canal--Violette's Lock5 observed

Common Tern

Sterna hirundo

4/22/2026Algonkian Regional Park1 observed

Lesser Black-backed Gull

Larus fuscus

4/22/2026C&O Canal--Violette's Lock1 observed

Cape May Warbler

Setophaga tigrina

4/22/2026Bluemont Park1 observed

Veery

Catharus fuscescens

4/22/2026Bluemont Park1 observed

Nashville Warbler

Leiothlypis ruficapilla

4/22/20265005 37th Avenue, Hyattsville, Maryland, US (38.951, -76.959)1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

54/21/2026

Mourning Dove

14/21/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

84/21/2026

Great Blue Heron

24/21/2026

Black Vulture

134/21/2026

Turkey Vulture

14/21/2026

Osprey

24/21/2026

Bald Eagle

24/21/2026

Red-shouldered Hawk

14/21/2026

Red-bellied Woodpecker

24/21/2026

Great Crested Flycatcher

14/21/2026

Blue Jay

24/21/2026

American Crow

14/21/2026

Fish Crow

104/21/2026

Carolina Chickadee

24/21/2026

Tufted Titmouse

44/21/2026

Tree Swallow

14/21/2026

Northern Rough-winged Swallow

54/21/2026

White-breasted Nuthatch

14/21/2026

Blue-gray Gnatcatcher

34/21/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Check rocky shorelines and jetties at low tide for shorebirds.

  2. 2

    Scan offshore waters with a spotting scope for seabirds and waterfowl.

  3. 3

    Visit during mid-May for peak warbler migration.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit C&O Canal - Fletcher's Cove (Fletcher's Boathouse) for birding?
The best months to visit C&O Canal - Fletcher's Cove (Fletcher's Boathouse) for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at C&O Canal - Fletcher's Cove (Fletcher's Boathouse)?
Notable species at C&O Canal - Fletcher's Cove (Fletcher's Boathouse) include Canada Goose, Wood Duck, Mallard, Common Merganser, Ring-billed Gull. The area supports coastal habitats.
How difficult is birding at C&O Canal - Fletcher's Cove (Fletcher's Boathouse)?
Birding at C&O Canal - Fletcher's Cove (Fletcher's Boathouse) is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at C&O Canal - Fletcher's Cove (Fletcher's Boathouse)?
C&O Canal - Fletcher's Cove (Fletcher's Boathouse) offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.