Birding in Washington, DC

More than 300 bird species have been reported on eBird in Washington, DC.

You can review the complete eBird list of species on Cornell’s eBird website:

list of DC Birds on ebird

Northern Shovelers in Constitution Gardens © Jerry Tsao

Where to Birdwatch in the Nation’s Capital

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Washington, DC has many different sites to go birding. From patches of grasslands to forests and rivers, the city’s parks offer a wide range of habitats for resident and migratory birds all year long. As part of DC Bird Alliance’s goals, we have identified which sites are wheelchair accessible and have parking and restroom facilities. Also, below you can find how to access many of these sites by metro or bus. We hope this map helps everyone who is interested in birding in our Nation’s capital.

Birding by metro and bus

Many Washington residents, including some birders, limit their driving by necessity or by choice. Can birding still be viable without driving? Yes, if you use public transportation! The best birding sites in the District are close to Metro stations or bus routes. Birding by Metro offers great opportunities for finding birds. In the process, you can get more exercise, see more of the District, and reduce your impact on the environment.

Here are some initial recommendations to bird by Metro:

  • Check the fares and schedules in advance. Buses require exact change or a SmarTrip card.

  • Map unfamiliar locations before visiting.

  • Be safe. Take a friend for birding in unfamiliar areas, and watch for traffic at busy intersections.

  • Travel by Metro may take longer than travel by car, so plan accordingly.

  • Bus routes listed here connect with many other bus lines, in addition to Metro stations.

  • Fares and schedules for the routes mentioned here can be found at http://www.wmata.com.
    The WMATA website also provides door-to-door directions.
    Download the printable Birding By Metro brochure.

  • The Southwest Waterfront provides views of osprey, crows, and shorebirds.

    At Poplar Point, look for waterbirds on the Anacostia River in winter. Willow Flycatchers, orioles, and Wild Turkeys breed here in summer. 

    Migrant waterfowl, merlins, gulls, and the occasional snowy owl can all be found at Hains Point.

  • Theodore Roosevelt Island has tidal marsh and forest habitats. Check the marsh for Wood Ducks, and the wooded swamp for sparrows and Pileated Woodpeckers. Prothonotary and Yellow-throated Warblers visit in the spring. Directions: Walk from the Rosslyn station towards the Key Bridge. Just after crossing Washington Parkway, turn right onto the bicycle path and walk to a parking lot. The island is accessible from a footbridge.

    Constitution Gardens is adjacent to the World War II Memorial. In winter and early spring, look for ducks on the lake. In late spring, check the trees for warblers and the shrubs for sparrows. Directions: Use the Smithsonian station’s Mall exit. Walk across the grounds of the Washington Monument, cross 17th Street NW, and turn right to enter the gardens.

  • Kenilworth Park has playing fields and meadows that host open-country birds in all seasons and shorebirds at high tide in late summer. Raptors frequent the park in winter. Look for Bobolinks in May.

    Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens attracts herons and shorebirds to its marsh and display ponds. Check along the boardwalk and the river trail for sparrows in fall migration. Many songbirds breed along the river trail.

  • The National Zoo hosts migrant songbirds in spring and waterfowl in winter. Wild black-crowned night herons and red-shouldered hawks nest at the Bird House. Check the creek for wood ducks.


    Rock Creek Park is a classic migrant trap. The best birding areas are located near the Nature Center, at the Maintenance Yard and Picnic Areas 17/18. Look for migrating songbirds in May and September. On a good day, you may see over 20 warbler species!

    Georgetown Reservoir hosts waterfowl and gulls during winter.


    Fletcher’s Boathouse has nesting orioles, warblers, and vireos. From here, you can walk a mile west along the C&O Canal towpath to the Chain Bridge, which is a good spot for waterbirds and raptors.


    Glover-Archbold Park is another migrant trap. During spring and fall migration look for warblers and thrushes that breed in the park.

    The National Arboretum attracts migrant songbirds in spring and fall; look for thrushes in the Azalea Gardens. Check pine groves for Pine Warblers, Red-breasted Nuthatches, and owls in winter.


    Fort Dupont consists of upland forest, with some edge and scrubby areas. Look for breeding songbirds and Wild Turkeys.

Other Resources

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MOS’s birder’s guide to Maryland and DC

Another great tool to learn more about DC’s hotsposts is Maryland Ornithological Society’s Birder’s Guide to Maryland and DC. Visit the section for DC here.