National Zoo

The Smithsonian's National Zoological Park stands on a bluff overlooking Rock Creek. The zoo contains many exotic and native captive animals, but it is also home to wild birds. Birders are welcome to check the wetlands around the bird house, trees and feeding areas, and the trail along Rock Creek below the zoo. See their page on Birdwatching at the National Zoo.

What to see: Wild black-crowned night-herons have been nesting on the outdoor flight cages at the bird house for many years. Occasionally a yellow-crowned night-heron will join them. During the day, night-herons will roost in the trees around the bird house; when juveniles fledge they will come down to the wetland ponds. Night-herons at the zoo allow close approach by humans. A pair of red-shouldered hawks nests in the vicinity of the bird house. Watch for these and other species of hawks throughout the year. Wild waterfowl make use of the ponds near the bird house, but it can be difficult to tell the difference between wild birds and the zoo's collection. Wood ducks, black ducks, gadwall, northern shoveler, and green-winged teal have been reported at the zoo. Many songbirds nest in the zoo's trees. Check the sycamores near the big cats enclosures for nesting eastern kingbirds, orchard orioles, and Baltimore orioles. Owls may winter in the ornamental hollies. The creek below the zoo provides another opportunity to find wild waterfowl, as well as songbirds and woodpeckers that use the woods along stream. In the early morning, check wood duck nest boxes along the creek for roosting screech owls.

By public transportation: Red Line to Woodley Park or Cleveland Park, then walk to the Zoo's main entrance on Connecticut Avenue.

Location

3001 Connecticut Avenue NW

Washington, DC