Description
This is a popular spot for observing wintering waterfowl. During summer, osprey, green heron, red-winged blackbird, and mallard are common. In addition, summer vegetation along the lakeshore is alive with dragonflies and damselflies.
Wildlife Sightings
Birds Recently Seen at Roaches Run Waterfowl Sanctuary:
- Osprey
- Double-crested Cormorant
- Mallard
- Mourning Dove
- Ring-billed Gull
- Pied-billed Grebe
- Fish Crow
- European Starling
- White-throated Sparrow
- Song Sparrow
155 species have been reported at this site to date.
Recent Checklists:
| Date | # of Species | Submitted By |
|---|---|---|
| 18 Mar 2026 | 1 | Anonymous eBirder MG |
| 17 Mar 2026 | 1 | Aaron Kowalski |
| 15 Mar 2026 | 10 | Ed Wallace |
| 6 Mar 2026 | 1 | Tyler Demetriou |
| 17 Feb 2026 | 7 | Ed Wallace |
Amenities & Accessibility Considerations
Site Amenities
- On-site Parking
- No Fee or Permit/Pass Requirement
Maps & Directions
GPS Coordinates: 38.865392, -77.041411
From Previous Site on the Great Falls Loop of VBWT:
From Monticello Park in Alexandria, travel north (left) on Russell Road 0.2 miles and turn left onto West Glebe Road. Go 0.8 miles and turn left onto South Glebe Road/SR 120 North. Proceed 0.1 miles and turn right on I-395 North. Travel to the George Washington Memorial Parkway and follow if south for approximately 0.5 miles to the exit for Roaches Run. The parking lot is on the right side.
Site Information
Managed By:
- National Park Service
Access Requirements:
Contact Information:
- Visit Website
Sites, or portions of sites, can be closed periodically for management activities. Please always check the site’s website for additional information prior to visiting.