Heather,

My partner and I moved to the Northwest a little over two years ago
after living in DC for over ten years. There are a number of good
birding areas in DC and the close-in suburbs and many a little farther
afield.

In late August/early September, Rock Creek Park can be a great migrant
trap, and if you hit it on a good migration day, the trees can be filled
with warblers, flycatchers, vireos, etc. There are generally birders
there daily throughout the fall migration season. The "Ridge" and the
"Maintenance Yard" are generally the best areas.

The National Arboretum and Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens can both be good
birding, but they're in sketchier neighborhoods.

The C&O Towpath, follows the Potomac River from Georgetown west well
into Maryland. There are numerous access points and the trail along the
canal is easy walking. The birding isn't as good as some other areas,
but it's a nice walk and you can get a bit of history at the same time.

In Virginia, Monticello Park in Arlington is good early in the morning
for migrants. There's a stream where many birds come to drink.

In Alexandria, Hunting Creek and Dyke Marsh (both along the George
Washington Parkway) offer good chances to see shorebirds, gulls, terns,
waders and waterfowl. Dyke Marsh is good for least bitterns, but they'll
be hard to find that late in the year.

Huntley Meadows is just south of Alexandria. This park has a nice
boardwalk through a large beaver-created marsh. It's often possible to
get close looks at rails, waders, shorebirds and a variety of reptiles
and amphibians from the boardwalk. The woodland edges around the marsh
can be good for migrants. Red-headed woodpeckers have nested in dead
trees around the woodland edges in the past, and Mississippi kites nest
nearby and are sometimes seen hunting dragonflies over the woods and
marsh.

A little farther afield, Occoquan Bay (off I-95 south of DC) and
Manassas National Battlefield (off I-64 west of DC) have trails through
a mix of field and forest habitats. Both are about 30 to 45 minutes
from downtown DC. Occoquan Bay has the advantage of offering access to
the Potomac River shoreline and freshwater marshes, while Manassas
Battlefield has more upland Piedmont habitats and a lot of history.

"Birding the National Capital Area" by Claudia Wilds is a little old,
but it has directions to most of these places. If you don't have access
to it, I can provide you with better directions for any of these sites.
Also, if there are particular species you are hoping to see, send me a
list. I may be able to direct you to some reliable spots.

Have a good trip.
Craig Tumer
Portland, OR


> -------- Original Message --------
> Subject: [Tweeters] RFI Washington DC Aug-Sept
> From: Heather <heathwin at yahoo.com>
> Date: Fri, July 17, 2009 9:21 pm
> To: tweeters at u.washington.edu
>
>
> Hi Tweeters:
>
> My partner and I will be in Washington DC in the downtown area for a work-related event.?We will rent a car for a few days.? Recommendations on natural areas, walking trails, etc. and any must-see birding areas will be much appreciated!
>
> Thanks in advance for any info you can provide.
>
> Heather
>
> Heather Findlay
> Okanogan WA
> heathwin at yahoo.com<hr>_______________________________________________
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