C&O Canal - Fletcher's Cove (Fletcher's Boathouse)

District of Columbia · Northeast

Habitat
Coastal
Best Seasons
SpringFall
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

C&O Canal - Fletcher's Cove (Fletcher's Boathouse) is a productive birding destination in District of Columbia, with 208 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

Loading map...

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

Red-necked Grebe

Podiceps grisegena

3/5/2026East Potomac Park--Hains Pt.1 observed

Sandhill Crane

Antigone canadensis

3/5/2026Wissioming Rd, Bethesda3 observed

Orange-crowned Warbler

Leiothlypis celata

3/5/2026Fort Washington National Park1 observed

Osprey

Pandion haliaetus

3/5/2026Sligo Middle School1 observed

Ross's Goose

Anser rossii

3/5/2026Dyke Marsh Wildlife Preserve5 observed

Short-eared Owl

Asio flammeus

3/4/2026Konterra Drive fields and ponds (private property, restricted access)2 observed

Red-throated Loon

Gavia stellata

3/4/2026East Potomac Park--Hains Pt.1 observed

Red-flanked Bluetail

Tarsiger cyanurus

3/4/2026Great Falls Park1 observed

Cackling Goose

Branta hutchinsii

3/4/2026Belle Haven Park--North Parking Area1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

63/1/2026

Wood Duck

63/1/2026

Mallard

103/1/2026

Common Merganser

23/1/2026

Ring-billed Gull

433/1/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

33/1/2026

Turkey Vulture

13/1/2026

Bald Eagle

13/1/2026

Red-shouldered Hawk

13/1/2026

Downy Woodpecker

43/1/2026

Hairy Woodpecker

13/1/2026

Pileated Woodpecker

23/1/2026

Northern Flicker

23/1/2026

American Crow

33/1/2026

Fish Crow

83/1/2026

Carolina Chickadee

33/1/2026

Tufted Titmouse

23/1/2026

American Goldfinch

33/1/2026

Common Grackle

23/1/2026

Northern Cardinal

23/1/2026

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 C&O Canal - Fletcher's Cove (Fletcher's Boathouse) for birding?
The best months to visit C&O Canal - Fletcher's Cove (Fletcher's Boathouse) for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at C&O Canal - Fletcher's Cove (Fletcher's Boathouse)?
Notable species at C&O Canal - Fletcher's Cove (Fletcher's Boathouse) include Canada Goose, Wood Duck, Mallard, Common Merganser, Ring-billed Gull. The area supports coastal habitats.
How difficult is birding at C&O Canal - Fletcher's Cove (Fletcher's Boathouse)?
Birding at C&O Canal - Fletcher's Cove (Fletcher's Boathouse) is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at C&O Canal - Fletcher's Cove (Fletcher's Boathouse)?
C&O Canal - Fletcher's Cove (Fletcher's Boathouse) offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.