Theodore Roosevelt Island
District of Columbia · Northeast
Easy
April-June
Free
6:00 AM – 10:00 PM daily
About This Location
Theodore Roosevelt Island is an 88-acre island preserve in the Potomac River between Georgetown and Rosslyn, accessible only by a footbridge from the Virginia side. The island's mature deciduous forest, tidal marsh, and swamp forest create a surprisingly wild landscape in the heart of the nation's capital.
The upland forest of oaks, elms, and tulip trees is an excellent spring migrant trap, concentrating warblers and other songbirds that follow the Potomac River corridor. The boardwalk through the swamp forest provides close views of Prothonotary Warblers — one of the island's signature breeding species. Wood Ducks nest in the swamp, Barred Owls are resident, and the tidal marsh edges attract Green Herons and occasionally rails. Over 200 species have been recorded on this small island.
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
Least Tern
Sternula antillarum
American Bittern
Botaurus lentiginosus
Mississippi Kite
Ictinia mississippiensis
Dickcissel
Spiza americana
White-throated Sparrow
Zonotrichia albicollis
Yellow-rumped Warbler
Setophaga coronata
Common Merganser
Mergus merganser
Sharp-shinned Hawk
Accipiter striatus
Recent Observations
Species reported at this location in the last 14 days
Mourning Dove
American Robin
House Sparrow
Northern Cardinal
Red-tailed Hawk
Barred Owl
Chimney Swift
Blue Jay
European Starling
Canada Goose
Mallard
Great Blue Heron
Great Horned Owl
Red-bellied Woodpecker
Downy Woodpecker
Eastern Wood-Pewee
Acadian Flycatcher
White-eyed Vireo
Red-eyed Vireo
American Crow
Birding Tips
- 1
Access is from the George Washington Memorial Parkway parking lot on the Virginia side — walk across the footbridge
- 2
The swamp trail boardwalk is the best spot for Prothonotary Warblers from late April through June
- 3
Visit at dawn for the best birding and fewest joggers — the island gets busy by mid-morning
- 4
Visit during spring migration (April-May) for the greatest species diversity
- 5
Arrive at dawn for peak bird activity, especially during migration seasons
Amenities
Nearby Attractions
- Georgetown Waterfront
- Kennedy Center
- Arlington National Cemetery
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District of Columbia Birding Guide
Complete guide to birding in District of Columbia →