About this Event
You don't have to leave the city to find a little wilderness!
Join DC Bird Alliance for a guided bird walk through Fort Totten Park, one of Washington, DC's historic green spaces and part of the city's Civil War Defenses.
Nestled within the urban landscape, Fort Totten offers a mix of wooded areas, open spaces, and natural habitat where birds live, feed, and move through the city.
We'll explore the park while looking and listening for woodpeckers, chickadees, cardinals, sparrows, raptors, and other resident and seasonal visitors. Along the way, we'll practice bird identification, share observations, and discover how even small pockets of urban nature can provide important habitat for wildlife.
And because this is DC Bird Alliance, you already know we'll be looking up! 🐦
New to birding? You're absolutely welcome! Whether you're picking up binoculars for the first time or have been watching birds for years, there's a place for you on this walk.
📍 Meeting Location
Fort Totten Park
Washington, DC
Exact meeting location and arrival instructions will be shared with registered participants.
🎒 What to Bring
- Binoculars, if you have them. A limited number of loaners may be available.
- Sturdy walking shoes with good traction
- Water and a light snack
- Weather-appropriate layers
- Sun protection and insect repellent, as needed
♿ Accessibility
🐢 Pace: Relaxed, conversational birding pace with frequent stops to observe, listen, and identify birds.
📏 Distance: Approximately 1–2 miles, depending on the route and bird activity.
🌿 Terrain: Fort Totten includes natural-surface paths, grassy areas, and wooded sections. Participants may encounter uneven ground, exposed roots, rocks, fallen leaves, and muddy or slippery conditions after rain.
⛰️ Elevation: The park includes hills and changes in elevation. Some portions of the walk may involve moderate inclines or descents.
🪑 Rest Areas: Formal seating may be limited or unavailable along the route. Participants are welcome to bring a lightweight portable seat if needed.
♿ Wheelchair/Mobility Access: The park's natural surfaces, uneven terrain, and changes in elevation may present challenges for wheelchair users and others with mobility limitations. The accessibility of our specific route has not yet been confirmed. Please contact DC Bird Alliance in advance to discuss access needs.
🚻 Restrooms: Public restroom facilities may not be available along the walking route. Please plan accordingly.
🚗 Parking & Transportation: Parking availability depends on the meeting location. Fort Totten is also served by Metro. Specific arrival instructions will be provided to registered participants.
🎟️ Registration & Attendance
Registration is required, and space is limited. Please register only if you genuinely plan to attend.
If your plans change, cancel your registration as soon as possible so someone on the waitlist has an opportunity to join us.
Repeated no-shows may result in being unable to register for future DC Bird Alliance programs.
If you're on the waitlist, please do not attend unless Eventbrite notifies you that a space has opened and you've successfully claimed your ticket.
⚠️ Release & Waiver of Liability
By registering for and participating in this DC Bird Alliance event, you acknowledge that outdoor activities involve inherent risks and agree to the DC Bird Alliance Release and Waiver of Liability. Please review the waiver in full before registering.
A little history, a little nature, and plenty of birds to discover. 🐦💚
See you outside!
Eastern Towhee. Photo: Mitzi Gellman.
Event venue & nearby stays
Fort Totten Park, Fort Totten Park, Washington, United States
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