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

Little Blue Heron

Egretta caerulea

4/20/2026BARC--Old Sewage Pond (sanctioned groups only)1 observed

Northern Waterthrush

Parkesia noveboracensis

4/20/2026Patuxent Research Refuge--South Tract (National Wildlife Visitor Center)1 observed

Nashville Warbler

Leiothlypis ruficapilla

4/20/2026U. S. Capitol Grounds1 observed

Forster's Tern

Sterna forsteri

4/20/2026Bolling AFB waterfront1 observed

Blue-winged Warbler

Vermivora cyanoptera

4/20/2026Brookside Gardens1 observed

Eastern Warbling Vireo

Vireo gilvus

4/20/2026Bladensburg Waterfront Park1 observed

Trumpeter Swan

Cygnus buccinator

4/20/2026Patuxent Research Refuge; South Tract6 observed

Black-bellied Whistling-Duck

Dendrocygna autumnalis

4/19/2026East Potomac Park--Hains Pt.11 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

24/20/2026

Mallard

54/20/2026

Rock Pigeon

54/20/2026

Mourning Dove

14/20/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

24/20/2026

Great Blue Heron

14/20/2026

Turkey Vulture

14/20/2026

Osprey

14/20/2026

Blue Jay

14/20/2026

American Crow

14/20/2026

Fish Crow

14/20/2026

Carolina Chickadee

14/20/2026

Tufted Titmouse

14/20/2026

Purple Martin

104/20/2026

Blue-gray Gnatcatcher

14/20/2026

American Robin

14/20/2026

American Goldfinch

14/20/2026

White-throated Sparrow

24/20/2026

Common Grackle

24/20/2026

Northern Cardinal

24/20/2026

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.