Theodore Roosevelt Island

District of Columbia · Northeast

Habitat
ForestWetlandRiparianUrban Park
Best Seasons
SpringSummer
Difficulty

Easy

Best Months

April-June

Entrance Fee

Free

Hours

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

Snow Goose

Anser caerulescens

3/5/2026Theodore Roosevelt Island2 observed

Red-necked Grebe

Podiceps grisegena

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

Red-throated Loon

Gavia stellata

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

Red-throated Loon

Gavia stellata

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

Red-throated Loon

Gavia stellata

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

Red-throated Loon

Gavia stellata

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

Red-throated Loon

Gavia stellata

3/3/2026Washington Sailing Marina (DC waters)1 observed

Red-throated Loon

Gavia stellata

3/3/2026Washington Sailing Marina (DC waters)1 observed

Red-throated Loon

Gavia stellata

3/3/2026Washington Sailing Marina (DC waters)1 observed

Red-throated Loon

Gavia stellata

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

White-winged Scoter

Melanitta deglandi

3/1/2026McMillan Reservoir1 observed

White-winged Scoter

Melanitta deglandi

3/1/2026McMillan Reservoir1 observed

White-crowned Sparrow

Zonotrichia leucophrys

2/28/2026National Arboretum--Azalea Collection and Mt. Hamilton1 observed

Osprey

Pandion haliaetus

2/28/2026LBJ Memorial Grove - Columbia Island Marina1 observed

Osprey

Pandion haliaetus

2/28/2026LBJ Memorial Grove - Columbia Island Marina1 observed

Osprey

Pandion haliaetus

2/28/2026East Potomac Park--Hains Pt.1 observed

Ross's Goose

Anser rossii

2/27/2026LBJ Memorial Grove - Columbia Island Marina1 observed

Ross's Goose

Anser rossii

2/27/2026Lady Bird Johnson Park, Washington US-DC 38.87616, -77.050271 observed

Ross's Goose

Anser rossii

2/26/2026LBJ Memorial Grove - Columbia Island Marina1 observed

Ross's Goose

Anser rossii

2/25/2026LBJ Memorial Grove - Columbia Island Marina1 observed

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Access is from the George Washington Memorial Parkway parking lot on the Virginia side — walk across the footbridge

  2. 2

    The swamp trail boardwalk is the best spot for Prothonotary Warblers from late April through June

  3. 3

    Visit at dawn for the best birding and fewest joggers — the island gets busy by mid-morning

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Theodore Roosevelt Island for birding?
The best months to visit Theodore Roosevelt Island for birding are April-June. The best seasons are Spring and Summer.
What birds can I see at Theodore Roosevelt Island?
Notable species at Theodore Roosevelt Island include Prothonotary Warbler, Barred Owl, Wood Duck, Pileated Woodpecker, Green Heron, Yellow-throated Vireo. The area supports forest, wetland, riparian, urban park habitats.
How difficult is birding at Theodore Roosevelt Island?
Birding at Theodore Roosevelt Island is rated as Easy. The trails and viewing areas are accessible for birders of all experience levels.
Is there an entrance fee at Theodore Roosevelt Island?
There is no entrance fee at Theodore Roosevelt Island. Hours: 6:00 AM – 10:00 PM daily.
What amenities are available at Theodore Roosevelt Island?
Theodore Roosevelt Island offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.