Coastal birding habitat

Kingman Island South - Kingman Lake/Heritage Island

District of Columbia · Northeast

Habitat
CoastalLake
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Challenging

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Kingman Island South - Kingman Lake/Heritage Island is a productive birding destination in District of Columbia, with 217 species recorded on eBird. This coastal and lake habitat attracts Canada Goose, Mallard, and American Black 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

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

Northern Harrier

Circus hudsonius

6/18/2026Oxbow Lake1 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

Cliff Swallow

Petrochelidon pyrrhonota

6/16/2026Oxbow Lake3 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

56/19/2026

Wood Duck

116/19/2026

Mallard

246/19/2026

Mourning Dove

36/19/2026

Chimney Swift

76/19/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

36/19/2026

Great Egret

16/19/2026

Great Blue Heron

36/19/2026

Osprey

96/19/2026

Downy Woodpecker

26/19/2026

Eastern Wood-Pewee

16/19/2026

American Crow

16/19/2026

Fish Crow

36/19/2026

Carolina Chickadee

56/19/2026

Tufted Titmouse

26/19/2026

Tree Swallow

76/19/2026

Northern Rough-winged Swallow

16/19/2026

Barn Swallow

36/19/2026

Blue-gray Gnatcatcher

46/19/2026

Carolina Wren

46/19/2026

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 Kingman Island South - Kingman Lake/Heritage Island for birding?
The best months to visit Kingman Island South - Kingman Lake/Heritage Island for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at Kingman Island South - Kingman Lake/Heritage Island?
Notable species at Kingman Island South - Kingman Lake/Heritage Island include Canada Goose, Mallard, American Black Duck, Common Merganser, Ring-billed Gull. The area supports coastal, lake habitats.
How difficult is birding at Kingman Island South - Kingman Lake/Heritage Island?
Birding at Kingman Island South - Kingman Lake/Heritage Island is rated as Challenging. The terrain can be challenging and may require good physical fitness and preparation.
What amenities are available at Kingman Island South - Kingman Lake/Heritage Island?
Kingman Island South - Kingman Lake/Heritage Island offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.