Birds at Fort Washington Park

A red, black, and white pileated woodpecker standing in grass
Pileated woodpeckers can be identified by their large size and bright red hammerhead.

NPS/MJGarcia

Birding begins as soon as you exit your vehicle, in the parking lot. Yearlong residents’ American crows, Northern Mockingbirds, Pileated woodpeckers gather in the trees that grow along the park’s parking spaces. Fort Washington is near several commercial and military airports, so air traffic is loud for a natural area. Studies have shown that birds in urban areas sing and call louder than their relatives who live in quiet natural areas and it seems this is true for Fort Washington Park’s birds.

Eastern Phoebes and Barn Swallows make their home in Battery Decatur, the oldest battery of the park’s 8-unit Endicott System. Bald Eagles are year-round residents, maintaining nests along the park’s perimeter trails, high in the trees.

 
a pair of bald eagles perched in a tree
There are nesting pairs of Bald Eagles at Fort Washington Park.

NPS/MJGarcia

Carolina Chickadees, Tufted titmice, White Breasted Nuthatches and Carolina Wrens are small but mighty in presence year-round. They can be spotted and heard along on every path from the visitor center to the fort and along the hiking trail.

Mallards are year-round residents of Fort Washington's coast. Buffleheads, Ruddy Ducks and Lesser Scaups can be spotted visiting Fort Washington's coast in small groups in winter and larger groups during spring and summer.

 
a black and white duck with a large patterned head
Hooded Mergansers can be seen floating along the Potomac River.

NPS/MJGarcia

 

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Last updated: December 21, 2023

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Contact Info

Mailing Address:

13551 Fort Washington Road
Fort Washington, MD 20744

Phone:

(771) 208-1555
If the staff is unable to answer the phone, please leave a message and we will get back to you as soon as possible. Thank you. The phone is not monitored when the Visitor Center is closed, Monday through Wednesday. You may call Oxon Hill Farm at 771-208-1536 Monday through Wednesday for assistance..

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