#TIDAL BASIN DC FREE#
There are approximately 300 free parking spaces along Ohio Drive SW.īecause East Potomac Park can be birded from or near the car, it is great for those who are mobility-impaired. During the winter months, the grassy areas have attracted occasional Short-eared Owl, Lapland Longspur, Horned Lark and American Pipit. Cattle Egrets are regular in spring Glossy Ibis is occasionally reported. On the golf course, look for Black-bellied Plover, Greater and Lesser Yellowlegs, peeps, Pectoral Sandpiper, Common Snipe, and occasional American Golden Plover, Upland Sandpiper, or Ruddy Turnstone. In the trees along the river and in the sky in winter, search for accipiters, Bald Eagle, and Merlin. Rarities include Red-throated Loon, Red-necked Grebe, Eared Grebe, Brant, Long-tailed Duck, and all three scoters. In the Channel and on the water beyond, look for Common Loon and Horned Grebe in March and November. This may result in a fish kill that attracts large number of gulls.Ĭaspian and Forster’s Terns may be found during summer and fall migration. In winter, the area is best after about a week of sub-freezing temperatures, when the Washington Channel and Potomac River are partially frozen. Franklin’s Gulls (rare) may be present summer and early fall and Bonaparte’s during April migration. Lesser Black-backed Gulls are frequently present from late September to early April. January through March is the best time for gull rarities, with Iceland, Glaucous and the demoted Thayer’s being possible (Thayer’s Gull is now considered a subspecies of Iceland Gull). Ring-billed and Laughing Gulls arrive in August, with Herring and Great Black-backed Gulls in the fall. Gulls, present all year round, congregate at the Tidal Basin, the Golf Course, and on the Potomac. West Potomac Park–Tidal Basin – 185+ species.There are separate eBird hotspots for East Potomac Park and for the Tidal Basin: The grassy areas between the monuments (about 125 acres) can attract many of the same species as at Hains Point.īe aware that access to Hains Point is sometimes closed following heavy rains or during special events.Ībout 255 species have been reported on eBird from East Potomac Park, making it the #1 eBird hotspot in Washington, DC. The Tidal Basin, part of West Potomac Park, attracts waterfowl and other water-oriented birds and should be checked when visiting Hains Point. The adjoining Tidal Basin is the circular pond of water covering about 100 acres at the north end of the East Potomac Park island, by the Jefferson and FDR Memorials. The birding approach is to drive slowly along Ohio Drive SW, find a convenient parking spot, and scope the waters and gold course, then move on to another spot. There is a circular drive around the park ( Ohio Drive SW), with intermittent picnic areas and free parking all along its length. The park contains a golf course, pool, and tennis courts in addition to birding opportunities.įor birders, the top attraction is the view available over the waters of the Washington Channel and Potomac River. The south-most area of the park is known as Hains Point. The island constitutes a grassy wedge at the confluence of the Potomac River, the Washington Channel, and the Anacostia River. The Jefferson Memorial is located on the north end of the island. The park is located on an artificial 329-acre island in southwest Washington DC, and is reached by a bridge across the mouth of the Tidal Basin, connecting it to West Potomac Park. With its excellent location, East Potomac Park is the top eBird hotspot in Washington, DC, with over 250 species reported and more additions to the list coming in all the time. The Audubon Naturalist Society and the Audubon Society of DC cover DC.Įast Potomac Park (Hains Point), West Potomac Park, & the Tidal Basin Local MOS Chapter: No MOS chapters in DC, but Montgomery Bird Club & Patuxent Bird Club are in the neighboring suburbs. During migration periods, shorebirds will be attracted to the golf course after rains that result in water pools and muddy conditions.īreeding Bird Atlas Blocks:Washington West SE, Alexandria NE ◾ There are public restrooms in several locations in East Potomac Park and near the Tidal Basin.īest Seasons: Fall, winter, and spring. This may result in a fish kill that attracts large number of gulls. ◾ In winter, the area is best after about a week of sub-freezing temperatures when the Washington Channel and Potomac River are partially frozen. Avoid the area during the spring cherry blossom bloom season (date varies, late March or early April) when there are tens of thousands of visitors at the Tidal Basin. ◾ Try to visit in early morning to avoid crowds.
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