Hains Point

Hains Point is the birders' name for the portion of East Potomac Park south of the railroad and highway bridges. Most of this manmade island is a public golf course, but there is a road and footpath leading to the point on either side of the course. At the tip of East Potomac Park, there is a statue called "The Awakening." The nearby Tidal Basin, best known for its flowering cherry trees, presents other bird-viewing opportunities.

What to see: This is a prime spot for waterfowl, especially large flocks of scaup and other diving ducks. Loons and grebes may occasionally appear here. During winter, the local gull population may grow into the thousands. Check around the boat docks in the Tidal Basin for gulls, including Lesser black-backed. At both the Tidal Basin and Hains Point, unusual gulls are most likely to appear after a deep freeze. Bonaparte's gulls may appear on the Potomac in late winter. In fall and winter, watch for peregrine falcons on the railroad bridge and merlins on the golf course. In breeding season, osprey nest on the railroad bridge. Check the trees around the island for both orioles and warbling vireos. Open-country songbirds and shorebirds occasionally appear on the golf course and in the playing fields west of the Tidal Basin.

By public transportation: The closest Metro station is Smithsonian on the Blue and Orange Lines. From the Independence Avenue exit, walk west on Independence and south along 15th Street to the Tidal Basin. From there, walk southeast around the Basin and under the series of highway and railroad bridges.

By car: Take the East Potomac Park exit off I-395, near the DC end of the 14th St. Bridge, or follow Rock Creek Parkway to its southern end.

Location

1090 Ohio Drive SW

Washington, DC, 20024