Coastal birding habitat

Theodore Roosevelt Island

District of Columbia · Northeast

Habitat
Coastal
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Challenging

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Theodore Roosevelt Island is a productive birding destination in District of Columbia, with 222 species recorded on eBird. This coastal habitat attracts Canada Goose, Wood Duck, and Mallard 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

American Bittern

Botaurus lentiginosus

6/19/2026Ben Brenman Park1 observed

Mississippi Kite

Ictinia mississippiensis

6/19/2026stakeout Mississippi Kite, NE DC (2025)1 observed

Least Tern

Sternula antillarum

6/19/2026Bladensburg Waterfront Park2 observed

Dickcissel

Spiza americana

6/18/2026BARC--North Farm (sanctioned groups only)1 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

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

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

136/18/2026

Mallard

16/18/2026

Chimney Swift

36/18/2026

Great Blue Heron

16/18/2026

Eastern Kingbird

16/18/2026

Red-eyed Vireo

16/18/2026

American Crow

76/18/2026

Tufted Titmouse

16/18/2026

Northern Rough-winged Swallow

76/18/2026

Blue-gray Gnatcatcher

26/18/2026

Carolina Wren

16/18/2026

American Robin

26/18/2026

American Goldfinch

16/18/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

56/18/2026

Northern Cardinal

26/18/2026

Indigo Bunting

16/18/2026

Hairy Woodpecker

16/18/2026

Carolina Chickadee

16/18/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

16/18/2026

Cliff Swallow

26/18/2026

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 Theodore Roosevelt Island for birding?
The best months to visit Theodore Roosevelt Island for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at Theodore Roosevelt Island?
Notable species at Theodore Roosevelt Island include Canada Goose, Wood Duck, Mallard, Double-crested Cormorant, Red-bellied Woodpecker. The area supports coastal habitats.
How difficult is birding at Theodore Roosevelt Island?
Birding at Theodore Roosevelt Island is rated as Challenging. The terrain can be challenging and may require good physical fitness and preparation.
What amenities are available at Theodore Roosevelt Island?
Theodore Roosevelt Island offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.