Greater Washington DC

District of Columbia

The Greater Washington DC region encompasses the nation's capital and surrounding areas of Maryland and Virginia, offering exceptional year-round birding opportunities. With over 200 bird species recorded annually, the region features diverse habitats from urban parks like Rock Creek Park to pristine wetlands at Huntley Meadows and Jug Bay. The area lies within the Atlantic Flyway, making it a premier destination for spring and fall migration, while the Chesapeake Bay provides critical habitat for waterfowl and wading birds.

Best Months to Visit

March to May, September to October

Birding Season

Year-round

Notable Species

Wood Thrush Bald Eagle Osprey Great Blue Heron Prothonotary Warbler

Top Birding Guides in Greater Washington DC

Browse our selection of expert birding guides serving the Greater Washington DC area.

Nature Forward

4.9

Nature Forward (formerly Audubon Naturalist Society) is the oldest independent environmental organization in the Greater Washington DC region. Founded in 1897, they offer over 120 nature classes, field trips, and birding tours annually throughout Washington DC, Maryland, and Virginia. Their expert naturalists lead comprehensive birding experiences for all skill levels, from beginners to advanced birders, exploring the region's diverse habitats including urban parks, wetlands, and the Chesapeake Bay. Their Woodend Nature Sanctuary in Chevy Chase serves as their headquarters.

Spring migration Fall migration Urban birding

128 years of experience

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DCbird

4.9

DCbird is Washington DC's first private birdwatching tour operator, founded in 2023 by Andy McGeoch. Specializing in personalized birding experiences throughout the nation's capital, DCbird connects people to nature and the incredible diversity of birds that call DC home. Tours explore premier locations including Rock Creek Park, the National Arboretum, Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens, and other urban hotspots. Perfect for visitors and locals alike who want expert-guided experiences to discover DC's impressive birding opportunities with over 200 species recorded annually.

Urban birding Rock Creek Park DC hotspots

2 years of experience

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Birds of Urban Baltimore - BURB Tours

4.8

BURB Tours provides professional birding experiences in Baltimore and across the Delmarva region. Founded in 2019 by Eric Fishel, all tour proceeds support Birds of Urban Baltimore's mission to provide environmental education and address environmental justice issues in Baltimore City. Their skilled guides offer both group and private tours at premier birding hotspots, specializing in urban birding, migration monitoring, and introducing diverse communities to the joys of birding. Half-day excursions (~4 hours) take participants to habitats across Maryland and neighboring states.

Urban birding Delmarva specialties Migration monitoring

6 years of experience

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Delmarva Birding Weekends

4.9

Delmarva Birding Weekends organizes premier birding events and tours throughout the Delmarva Peninsula, a region renowned for exceptional shorebird migration, waterfowl, and specialty species. Since 1995, their weekend events feature experienced local guides who know the best locations and timing for finding the region's incredible diversity of bird species. Tours cover prime habitats from coastal beaches to inland forests, offering comprehensive birding experiences for enthusiasts at all levels. They host year-round field trips in Delaware and on the Eastern Shores of Maryland and Virginia.

Shorebirds Delmarva Peninsula Waterfowl

30 years of experience

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Walter Ellison & Nancy Martin

5.0

Walter Ellison served as Coordinator for the Maryland-DC Breeding Bird Atlas (2002-2010) and is Chair of the Maryland/DC Bird Records Committee. He moved to Kent County in 2002 to coordinate the atlas project. Nancy Martin is a fellow breeding bird atlas coordinator and former naturalist for the Vermont Institute of Natural Science. Together, they lead field trips for the Kent County Bird Club, offering expert-level birding tours throughout Maryland's Eastern Shore. Walter's expertise includes bird distribution and range expansions, while Nancy brings extensive atlas coordination experience. They specialize in finding rare and specialty species in Maryland's diverse habitats.

Maryland Eastern Shore Breeding bird surveys Rare species

23 years of experience

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