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

Loading map...

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

Dark-eyed Junco

Junco hyemalis

6/19/2026Bacall Ln, Potomac US-MD1 observed

Least Tern

Sternula antillarum

6/19/2026Bladensburg Waterfront Park2 observed

American Bittern

Botaurus lentiginosus

6/19/2026Ben Brenman Park1 observed

Mississippi Kite

Ictinia mississippiensis

6/19/2026stakeout Mississippi Kite, NE DC (2025)1 observed

Common Tern

Sterna hirundo

6/18/2026Algonkian Regional Park2 observed

Dickcissel

Spiza americana

6/18/2026BARC--North Farm (sanctioned groups only)1 observed

White-throated Sparrow

Zonotrichia albicollis

6/17/2026Courtyard behind RiverHouse-The Potomac building1 observed

Yellow-rumped Warbler

Setophaga coronata

6/16/2026Four Mile Run Park1 observed

Common Merganser

Mergus merganser

6/15/2026Heurich Park2 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

256/16/2026

Wood Duck

226/16/2026

Mallard

76/16/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

96/16/2026

Great Blue Heron

46/16/2026

Black Vulture

36/16/2026

Turkey Vulture

16/16/2026

Osprey

26/16/2026

Red-bellied Woodpecker

16/16/2026

Northern Flicker

16/16/2026

Eastern Kingbird

26/16/2026

Blue Jay

16/16/2026

American Crow

16/16/2026

Fish Crow

76/16/2026

Tufted Titmouse

16/16/2026

Tree Swallow

26/16/2026

Northern Rough-winged Swallow

66/16/2026

Blue-gray Gnatcatcher

26/16/2026

Carolina Wren

16/16/2026

American Robin

16/16/2026

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.