Constitution Gardens

Constitution Gardens in WinterConstitution Gardens is located north of the World War II Memorial and east of the Vietnam Memorial. It consists of a shallow lake with a small island on one side, with shrubs and grassy areas surrounding the lake. This is one of the few areas of the Mall with trees other than elms and with an understory, making it a migrant trap.

What to see: In winter and migration, look for ring-necked ducks, bufflehead, wigeons, shovelers, and other waterfowl on the lake. In migration, warblers, vireos, and orioles may be in the trees. Cape May and prairie warblers have been seen here. Check the shrubs around the lake and the lawn near the Vietnam Memorial for sparrows. White-crowned and Lincoln's sparrows have visited here. Check the nearby DC WWI Memorial for tanagers, vireos, warblers, and thrushes during migration.

By public transportation: Walk west from the Smithsonian station on the Blue and Orange Lines, or south along 17th Street from Farragut Square. Alternately, several Metrobus routes and the DC Circulator stop near Constitution Gardens.

See map below or visit Google Maps for directions.