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

Tricolored Heron

Egretta tricolor

8/23/2026Bladensburg Waterfront Park1 observed

Baird's Sandpiper

Calidris bairdii

8/23/2026Hunting Creek Bridge (Fairfax Co.)1 observed

Mississippi Kite

Ictinia mississippiensis

8/23/2026Agricultural History Farm Park1 observed

Ruby-crowned Kinglet

Corthylio calendula

8/23/2026Fort Sumner1 observed

Black Tern

Chlidonias niger

8/23/2026Piscataway Creek--Farmington Landing (Wharf Rd.)2 observed

Broad-winged Hawk

Buteo platypterus

8/23/2026Wootton's Mill Park1 observed

Veery

Catharus fuscescens

8/23/2026**HUNTLEY MEADOWS PARK2 observed

White Ibis

Eudocimus albus

8/22/2026C&O Canal--Violette's Lock1 observed

Common Gallinule

Gallinula galeata

8/22/2026NCI/JHU Pond1 observed

American Avocet

Recurvirostra americana

8/22/2026Belle Haven Park--North Parking Area1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Wood Duck

18/23/2026

Mallard

28/23/2026

Rock Pigeon

48/23/2026

Great Egret

38/23/2026

Fish Crow

18/23/2026

European Starling

158/23/2026

Gray Catbird

18/23/2026

Black-and-white Warbler

18/23/2026

Mourning Dove

28/23/2026

Ruby-throated Hummingbird

18/23/2026

Great Blue Heron

18/23/2026

Bald Eagle

18/23/2026

Red-shouldered Hawk

18/23/2026

Red-bellied Woodpecker

18/23/2026

Eastern Phoebe

18/23/2026

Tufted Titmouse

28/23/2026

White-breasted Nuthatch

18/23/2026

Carolina Wren

58/23/2026

American Goldfinch

18/23/2026

Common Grackle

38/23/2026

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.