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

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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

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

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

Sharp-shinned Hawk

Accipiter striatus

6/15/2026Four Mile Run Park1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

606/19/2026

Mallard

46/19/2026

Rock Pigeon

46/19/2026

Mourning Dove

26/19/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

36/19/2026

Osprey

26/19/2026

Great Crested Flycatcher

16/19/2026

American Crow

26/19/2026

Fish Crow

166/19/2026

Barn Swallow

306/19/2026

Blue-gray Gnatcatcher

26/19/2026

Carolina Wren

16/19/2026

European Starling

306/19/2026

Gray Catbird

16/19/2026

Northern Mockingbird

16/19/2026

American Robin

206/19/2026

House Sparrow

306/19/2026

House Finch

56/19/2026

Song Sparrow

26/19/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

86/19/2026

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.