Estuary birding habitat

West Potomac Park - Tidal Basin

District of Columbia · Northeast

Habitat
EstuaryUrban Park
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Easy

Best Months

April-May, September-October

Entrance Fee

Free

Hours

Open 24 hours

About This Location

West Potomac Park - Tidal Basin is a productive birding destination in District of Columbia, with 205 species recorded on eBird. This estuary and urban park habitat attracts Canada Goose, Northern Shoveler, 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

Dark-eyed Junco

Junco hyemalis

6/19/2026Bacall Ln, Potomac US-MD1 observed

Least Tern

Sternula antillarum

6/19/2026Bladensburg Waterfront Park2 observed

American Bittern

Botaurus lentiginosus

6/19/2026Ben Brenman Park1 observed

Mississippi Kite

Ictinia mississippiensis

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

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

166/17/2026

Mallard

36/17/2026

Rock Pigeon

106/17/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

46/17/2026

Osprey

26/17/2026

Eastern Kingbird

16/17/2026

Fish Crow

36/17/2026

Northern Rough-winged Swallow

26/17/2026

Barn Swallow

16/17/2026

Song Sparrow

16/17/2026

Common Grackle

26/17/2026

Chimney Swift

66/15/2026

Blue Jay

16/15/2026

European Starling

506/15/2026

Gray Catbird

16/15/2026

American Robin

86/15/2026

House Sparrow

356/15/2026

House Finch

26/15/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

26/15/2026

Northern Cardinal

16/15/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Time your visit around low tide for the best shorebird viewing.

  2. 2

    Scan open mudflats and salt marsh edges for rails and herons.

  3. 3

    Visit during mid-May for peak warbler migration.

  4. 4

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

  5. 5

    Fall migration (September-October) brings waves of southbound warblers and raptors

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit West Potomac Park - Tidal Basin for birding?
The best months to visit West Potomac Park - Tidal Basin for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at West Potomac Park - Tidal Basin?
Notable species at West Potomac Park - Tidal Basin include Canada Goose, Northern Shoveler, Mallard, Redhead, Ring-necked Duck, Common Goldeneye, Hooded Merganser, Blue Jay, Bufflehead, American Herring Gull. The area supports estuary, urban park habitats.
How difficult is birding at West Potomac Park - Tidal Basin?
Birding at West Potomac Park - Tidal Basin is rated as Easy. The trails and viewing areas are accessible for birders of all experience levels.
Is there an entrance fee at West Potomac Park - Tidal Basin?
There is no entrance fee at West Potomac Park - Tidal Basin. Hours: Open 24 hours.
What amenities are available at West Potomac Park - Tidal Basin?
West Potomac Park - Tidal Basin offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails.