Guided Bird Walks

Explore the vibrant bird life at Hillwood Estate through a series of guided bird walks led by experts from the DC Bird Alliance. Since 2023, a dedicated volunteer-led group has documented 105 different bird species throughout the gardens and expects to find even more as their research continues. During each walk, a birding expert guides participants through the gardens, sharing insights about the local bird population, pointing out species along the way, and explaining how the estate’s lush ecosystem interacts with the wider Washington, D.C. area and Hillwood’s sustainability efforts. The program is open to all skill levels, from newcomers to seasoned birders, and encourages participants to bring their own binoculars, though a limited number are available to borrow. Each walk is capped at fifteen participants and requires a minimum of four to take place.

When: Saturdays and Sundays from September 12 through November 15, 2026, with specific dates being September 12, September 27, October 18, October 31, November 7, and November 15.

Showtimes: All walks run from 9:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.

Tickets: General admission is $20 per person; Hillwood members pay $10. Tickets are available for purchase online or at the venue.

Guides: Walks are led by a birding expert from the DC Bird Alliance, a local chapter of the National Audubon Society whose mission is to build community around birds across all eight wards of D.C. through conservation projects, birding resources, and partnerships.

Capacity: Limited to fifteen participants per walk, with a minimum of four participants required for the walk to proceed.

Requirements: This is an outdoor program. Participants should expect to travel along garden pathways and uneven ground. Dress for the weather, wear comfortable walking shoes, and bring a water bottle, insect repellent, and sunscreen as needed.

Weather Policy: The walk will proceed in rain but may be cancelled in the event of severe weather such as lightning, high winds, or excessive heat. Hillwood will notify participants by 8:00 a.m. on the morning of the program if a cancellation occurs.

Venue: Hillwood Estate, Museum and Gardens, located in Washington, D.C.