Potomac River scenery near Theodore Roosevelt Island in Washington DC

Theodore Roosevelt Island

District of Columbia · Northeast

Habitat
ForestWetlandRiparianUrban Park
Best Seasons
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

Rare or unusual species spotted nearby in the last 14 days

Mississippi Kite

Ictinia mississippiensis

6/17/2026stakeout Mississippi Kite, NE DC (2025)2 observed

Dickcissel

Spiza americana

6/16/2026BARC--North Farm (sanctioned groups only)2 observed

Yellow-rumped Warbler

Setophaga coronata

6/16/2026Four Mile Run Park1 observed

Common Merganser

Mergus merganser

6/15/2026Heurich Park2 observed

Dark-eyed Junco

Junco hyemalis

6/15/2026Bacall Ln, Potomac US-MD 39.06004, -77.267961 observed

Sharp-shinned Hawk

Accipiter striatus

6/15/2026Four Mile Run Park1 observed

White-throated Sparrow

Zonotrichia albicollis

6/14/2026Glencarlyn Park1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

European Starling

46/17/2026

American Robin

26/17/2026

House Sparrow

16/17/2026

Brown-headed Cowbird

16/17/2026

Carolina Wren

16/17/2026

Mallard

476/17/2026

Mourning Dove

26/17/2026

Red-tailed Hawk

16/17/2026

Eastern Kingbird

16/17/2026

Fish Crow

26/17/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

46/17/2026

Common Grackle

16/17/2026

Chimney Swift

26/17/2026

Blue Jay

16/17/2026

American Crow

66/17/2026

Common Raven

16/17/2026

House Finch

16/17/2026

Northern Mockingbird

16/17/2026

Song Sparrow

26/17/2026

Red-bellied Woodpecker

6/17/2026

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

  4. 4

    Visit during spring migration (April-May) for the greatest species diversity

  5. 5

    Arrive at dawn for peak bird activity, especially during migration seasons

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, Canada Goose, American Woodcock, Red-tailed Hawk, American Robin. 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.