Kensington Metropark - general (Oakland County only)

Michigan · Midwest

Habitat
GrasslandWetland
Best Seasons
SpringFall
Difficulty

Easy

Best Months

April-May, September-October

Entrance Fee

$10 daily vehicle pass

Hours

Open daily, 6:00 AM - 10:00 PM

About This Location

Kensington Metropark - general (Oakland County only) is a productive birding destination in Michigan, with 242 species recorded on eBird. This grassland and wetland habitat attracts Canada Goose, Mute Swan, and Tundra Swan among many others. Spring migration along the Mississippi and Central Flyways makes this a vital stopover for diverse species.

Location

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Notable Species

Live Bird Data

Powered by eBird / Cornell Lab of Ornithology

Notable Sightings

Rare or unusual species spotted nearby in the last 14 days

Fox Sparrow

Passerella iliaca

3/6/2026Mike's house (restricted access)1 observed

Yellow-bellied Sapsucker

Sphyrapicus varius

3/6/20262955 Lakehurst Ct, Ann Arbor US-MI 42.31519, -83.713211 observed

Double-crested Cormorant

Nannopterum auritum

3/6/2026Kensington Metropark--general (Oakland Co. only)2 observed

Northern Mockingbird

Mimus polyglottos

3/6/2026392 Welch Rd, Northville US-MI 42.44415, -83.479702 observed

Ross's Goose

Anser rossii

3/5/20262686–2998 N Latson Rd, Howell US-MI (42.6416,-83.8755)1 observed

Greater White-fronted Goose

Anser albifrons

3/3/2026Gallup Park1 observed

Trumpeter Swan

Cygnus buccinator

3/2/2026Phoenix Lake2 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

63/6/2026

Mute Swan

103/6/2026

Tundra Swan

43/6/2026

Mallard

113/6/2026

American Black Duck

73/6/2026

Canvasback

23/6/2026

Redhead

263/6/2026

Ring-necked Duck

1153/6/2026

Greater Scaup

23/6/2026

Lesser Scaup

43/6/2026

Bufflehead

63/6/2026

Common Goldeneye

143/6/2026

Hooded Merganser

43/6/2026

Common Merganser

183/6/2026

Wild Turkey

73/6/2026

Rock Pigeon

43/6/2026

Mourning Dove

103/6/2026

Sandhill Crane

43/6/2026

Ring-billed Gull

33/6/2026

Great Blue Heron

13/6/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Scan fence posts and utility wires for perching raptors and kingbirds.

  2. 2

    Walk field edges at dawn when sparrows and grassland species are most vocal.

  3. 3

    Time your visit during the first week of May for maximum species diversity.

  4. 4

    Bring insect repellent — wetland areas can have significant mosquito activity, especially in warmer months.

  5. 5

    Waterproof boots are recommended as trails near marshes can be muddy, especially after rain.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Kensington Metropark - general (Oakland County only) for birding?
The best months to visit Kensington Metropark - general (Oakland County only) for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at Kensington Metropark - general (Oakland County only)?
Notable species at Kensington Metropark - general (Oakland County only) include Canada Goose, Mute Swan, Tundra Swan, Mallard, American Black Duck, Great Horned Owl, Wild Turkey, Downy Woodpecker, White-breasted Nuthatch, American Robin, House Sparrow, Song Sparrow. The area supports grassland, wetland habitats.
How difficult is birding at Kensington Metropark - general (Oakland County only)?
Birding at Kensington Metropark - general (Oakland County only) is rated as Easy. The trails and viewing areas are accessible for birders of all experience levels.
Is there an entrance fee at Kensington Metropark - general (Oakland County only)?
The entrance fee at Kensington Metropark - general (Oakland County only) is $10 daily vehicle pass. Hours: Open daily, 6:00 AM - 10:00 PM.
What amenities are available at Kensington Metropark - general (Oakland County only)?
Kensington Metropark - general (Oakland County only) offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails.