Theodore Roosevelt Island

District of Columbia · Northeast

ChallengingView on eBird
Habitat
Coastal
Best Seasons
SpringFall
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

Cackling Goose

Branta hutchinsii

3/6/2026Belle Haven Park--North Parking Area4 observed

Iceland Gull

Larus glaucoides

3/6/2026Pohick Bay Regional Park--Boat Ramp1 observed

Osprey

Pandion haliaetus

3/6/2026Needwood Mansion, pond and trails2 observed

Sora

Porzana carolina

3/6/2026Huntley Meadows Park--Cedar Trail Loop1 observed

Red-necked Grebe

Podiceps grisegena

3/6/2026Burke Lake Park1 observed

Sandhill Crane

Antigone canadensis

3/6/2026Huntley Meadows Park--Cedar Trail Loop6 observed

Northern Rough-winged Swallow

Stelgidopteryx serripennis

3/6/2026Patuxent Research Refuge--Central Tract (Restricted Access)1 observed

Long-tailed Duck

Clangula hyemalis

3/6/2026Fort Washington National Park1 observed

Orange-crowned Warbler

Leiothlypis celata

3/5/2026Fort Washington National Park1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

853/5/2026

Wood Duck

23/5/2026

Mallard

73/5/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

13/5/2026

Red-bellied Woodpecker

13/5/2026

Pileated Woodpecker

23/5/2026

Blue Jay

13/5/2026

Carolina Chickadee

13/5/2026

Tufted Titmouse

33/5/2026

White-breasted Nuthatch

13/5/2026

Carolina Wren

33/5/2026

European Starling

43/5/2026

Eastern Bluebird

23/5/2026

Hermit Thrush

23/5/2026

American Robin

273/5/2026

Common Grackle

33/5/2026

Northern Cardinal

33/5/2026

Ring-necked Duck

33/5/2026

Common Merganser

63/5/2026

Rock Pigeon

83/5/2026

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.