Birds

A blue heron grooming itself in Piscataway Park.

Michael Garcia

Piscataway Park consists of several geographic sections. Each beckons the new and experienced bird watcher.

The National Colonial Farm, one of the National Park Service's partners at Piscataway Park is a treasure trove of good birding habitats. The walking trails wind through forested areas where you will see springtime Baltimore Orioles and Purple Martins. There are barn swallows in the farm's barn.

Water bird watchers can stroll along the 250-foot fishing pier stroll to watch Osprey and Bufflehead in the spring, and Great Blue Heron year-round.

 

An osprey nest on the Potomac River near the Accokeek Boardwalk.

Michael Garcia

Marsh birding is great at Accokeek Creek, a marsh covered one and half mile wooden walkway that offers regular sights of osprey, red winged black birds, and bald eagles. Additional water bird watching spots are located at Farmington Landing and Marshall Hall, where you can catch glimpses of the Northern Pintail, American Wigeon, and Green Winged-Teal ducks. These swimming birds winter in their non-breeding mode.