a body of water with a bridge in the background

East Potomac Park - Hains Point

District of Columbia · Northeast

Habitat
Urban Park
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Easy

Best Months

April-May, September-October

Entrance Fee

Free

Hours

Open daily, 6:00 AM - 10:00 PM

About This Location

East Potomac Park - Hains Point is a productive birding destination in District of Columbia, with 266 species recorded on eBird. This urban park habitat attracts Canada Goose, Tundra Swan, and Wood Duck 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

Vesper Sparrow

Pooecetes gramineus

4/21/2026BARC--Farming Systems Project (sanctioned groups only)2 observed

Little Blue Heron

Egretta caerulea

4/21/2026BARC -- Greenbelt-Beaverdam Creek (sanctioned groups only)1 observed

Veery

Catharus fuscescens

4/21/2026Potomac Palisades Conservation Park, Bethesda1 observed

Yellow-breasted Chat

Icteria virens

4/21/2026Potomac Palisades Conservation Park, Bethesda1 observed

Cape May Warbler

Setophaga tigrina

4/21/2026Potomac Palisades Conservation Park, Bethesda1 observed

Northern Waterthrush

Parkesia noveboracensis

4/20/2026Patuxent Research Refuge--South Tract (National Wildlife Visitor Center)1 observed

Nashville Warbler

Leiothlypis ruficapilla

4/20/2026U. S. Capitol Grounds1 observed

Forster's Tern

Sterna forsteri

4/20/2026Bolling AFB riverfront1 observed

Scarlet Tanager

Piranga olivacea

4/20/2026Home1 observed

Blue-winged Warbler

Vermivora cyanoptera

4/20/2026Brookside Gardens1 observed

Eastern Warbling Vireo

Vireo gilvus

4/20/2026Bladensburg Waterfront Park1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Black-crowned Night Heron

14/21/2026

Northern Yellow Warbler

14/21/2026

Canada Goose

704/21/2026

Wood Duck

24/21/2026

Mallard

34/21/2026

Killdeer

14/21/2026

Ring-billed Gull

264/21/2026

Caspian Tern

14/21/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

834/21/2026

Great Blue Heron

44/21/2026

Osprey

44/21/2026

Bald Eagle

34/21/2026

Northern Flicker

24/21/2026

Blue Jay

14/21/2026

Fish Crow

34/21/2026

Tree Swallow

24/21/2026

Northern Rough-winged Swallow

34/21/2026

Barn Swallow

104/21/2026

Ruby-crowned Kinglet

14/21/2026

European Starling

94/21/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Visit at dawn for peak songbird activity before crowds arrive.

  2. 2

    Check flowering trees and berry-producing shrubs for seasonal migrants.

  3. 3

    Visit during mid-May for peak warbler migration.

  4. 4

    Check tide tables before visiting — low tide exposes mudflats that attract the most shorebirds.

  5. 5

    Onshore winds can push pelagic species closer to shore, making post-storm days excellent for rarities.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit East Potomac Park - Hains Point for birding?
The best months to visit East Potomac Park - Hains Point for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at East Potomac Park - Hains Point?
Notable species at East Potomac Park - Hains Point include Canada Goose, Tundra Swan, Wood Duck, Mallard, Green-winged Teal, American Woodcock, Red-tailed Hawk, American Robin, White-throated Sparrow, Eastern Towhee, Northern Cardinal, Pied-billed Grebe. The area supports urban park habitats.
How difficult is birding at East Potomac Park - Hains Point?
Birding at East Potomac Park - Hains Point is rated as Easy. The trails and viewing areas are accessible for birders of all experience levels.
Is there an entrance fee at East Potomac Park - Hains Point?
There is no entrance fee at East Potomac Park - Hains Point. Hours: Open daily, 6:00 AM - 10:00 PM.
What amenities are available at East Potomac Park - Hains Point?
East Potomac Park - Hains Point offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails.