Birding Along Sligo Creek

FRIENDS - Use your code to access Early Registration tickets at checkout!

Join DC Bird Alliance for a leisurely bird walk along beautiful Sligo Creek, where wooded stream corridors, open spaces, and the sounds of nature offer a welcome escape from the bustle of everyday life.

We'll explore the creek's diverse habitats while looking and listening for woodpeckers, kingfishers, songbirds, raptors, and other feathered neighbors. Whether you're new to birding or have been enjoying birds for years, you're welcome to join us!

And here's something we especially love about this walk: Portions of Sligo Creek Parkway are closed to vehicle traffic on weekends, giving us the option to use the roadway for a significant part of our route.

That means more room to spread out, enjoy the scenery, and observe birds without having to rely exclusively on narrower natural-surface trails.

We'll follow the birds, take our time, and enjoy being outside together.

No experience necessary. Bring your curiosity!

📍 Meeting Location

Sligo Creek Parkway, Maryland

Exact meeting location and parking instructions will be provided to registered participants.

🎒 What to Bring

• Binoculars, if you have them. A limited number of loaners may be available.
• Comfortable 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. Participants should be comfortable walking or rolling for an extended period with breaks.

🌿 Terrain: Our route may include paved parkway roadway, paved pedestrian paths, and optional natural-surface areas. Because portions of Sligo Creek Parkway are closed to vehicle traffic on weekends, we can remain on the paved roadway for a significant portion of the walk, reducing the need to navigate uneven trails.

⛰️ Elevation: Generally gentle to moderate grades, with some inclines depending on the route.

🪑 Rest Areas: We'll pause frequently for bird observation. Benches and formal seating may be limited along portions of the route.

♿ Wheelchair/Mobility Access: The car-free roadway provides a wider, paved alternative to natural-surface trails for much of our walk. However, some sections may have slopes, pavement irregularities, or transitions between surfaces. We can prioritize the paved route to accommodate different mobility needs. Please contact DC Bird Alliance in advance if you'd like to discuss specific access considerations, programming@dcbirdalliance.org.

🚻 Restrooms: Public restroom availability varies along Sligo Creek Parkway and may be limited. Please plan accordingly.

🚗 Parking: Parking instructions will be provided with the meeting location. Please note that weekend roadway closures may affect vehicle access, so allow extra time to arrive.

A note about roadway closures: Although designated sections of Sligo Creek Parkway are closed to through vehicle traffic on weekends, participants should remain alert at intersections, crossings, and any areas where vehicle access is permitted.

🎟️ 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.

Red-shouldered Hawk. Photo: María-Elena