East Potomac Park - Hains Point

District of Columbia · Northeast

Habitat
Urban Park
Best Seasons
SpringFall
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

Red-necked Grebe

Podiceps grisegena

3/5/2026East Potomac Park--Hains Pt.1 observed

Sandhill Crane

Antigone canadensis

3/5/2026Wissioming Rd, Bethesda3 observed

Orange-crowned Warbler

Leiothlypis celata

3/5/2026Fort Washington National Park1 observed

Osprey

Pandion haliaetus

3/5/2026Sligo Middle School1 observed

Ross's Goose

Anser rossii

3/5/2026Dyke Marsh Wildlife Preserve5 observed

Red-tailed Hawk (abieticola)

Buteo jamaicensis

3/5/2026Patuxent Research Refuge--Central Tract (Restricted Access)1 observed

Short-eared Owl

Asio flammeus

3/4/2026Konterra Drive fields and ponds (private property, restricted access)2 observed

Trumpeter Swan

Cygnus buccinator

3/4/2026Patuxent Research Refuge--Central Tract (Restricted Access)5 observed

Red-throated Loon

Gavia stellata

3/4/2026East Potomac Park--Hains Pt.1 observed

Red-flanked Bluetail

Tarsiger cyanurus

3/4/2026Great Falls Park1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

93/5/2026

Killdeer

13/5/2026

Ring-billed Gull

43/5/2026

Horned Grebe

23/5/2026

American Robin

33/5/2026

Song Sparrow

23/5/2026

Northern Cardinal

23/5/2026

Mallard

123/5/2026

Greater Scaup

23/5/2026

Bufflehead

13/5/2026

Hooded Merganser

63/5/2026

American Herring Gull

303/5/2026

Common Loon

13/5/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

83/5/2026

Merlin

33/5/2026

American Crow

23/5/2026

Fish Crow

1253/5/2026

House Sparrow

23/5/2026

Redhead

383/5/2026

Blue Jay

13/5/2026

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.