Anywhere along the Anacostia River Trail, you might spot some interesting wildlife. Learning to identify plants and animals around you can help heighten your awareness and appreciation of your surroundings no matter where you are. The Anacostia River and the plants along its banks provide food, water, and shelter for a number of wild animals. Keep an eye out for wild turkeys, fox, white-tailed deer and a variety of birds like ducks, geese, gulls, herons, and birds of prey like bald eagles and osprey.
Birding at Anacostia Park
Spring - This is the best time of year for birding because many migratory birds are passing through the area. Keep a sharp eye out and an ear open for tiny warblers darting actively through treetops and thickets looking for insects to eat. Summer - Watch for osprey fishing and nesting along the river. Fall - You might notice Caspian terns and Forster's terns. Although terns might look like gulls at first glance, their habit of flying while looking straight down for fish, and their method of diving after fish will differentiate them from the common ring-billed gull. Winter - Winter is a great time to spot ducks. Grebes, mergansers, buffleheads, and other ducks gather on open water right here in the Anacostia River! |
Last updated: December 27, 2022