A pink lotus flower sitting on top of a lush green field

Kenilworth Park and Aquatic Gardens

District of Columbia · Northeast

Habitat
Urban Park
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Easy

Best Months

April-May, September-October

Entrance Fee

Free

Hours

Open daily, 7 AM - 4 PM

About This Location

Kenilworth Park and Aquatic Gardens is a productive birding destination in District of Columbia, with 255 species recorded on eBird. This urban park habitat attracts Canada Goose, Mallard, and American Black Duck among many others. Spring and fall migration bring waves of warblers and shorebirds through the area.

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

Least Tern

Sternula antillarum

6/19/2026Bladensburg Waterfront Park2 observed

American Bittern

Botaurus lentiginosus

6/19/2026Ben Brenman Park1 observed

Mississippi Kite

Ictinia mississippiensis

6/19/2026stakeout Mississippi Kite, NE DC (2025)1 observed

Little Blue Heron

Egretta caerulea

6/19/2026Johns Hopkins APL Pond2 observed

Dickcissel

Spiza americana

6/18/2026BARC--North Farm (sanctioned groups only)1 observed

Northern Harrier

Circus hudsonius

6/18/2026Oxbow Lake1 observed

White-throated Sparrow

Zonotrichia albicollis

6/17/2026Courtyard behind RiverHouse-The Potomac building1 observed

Yellow-rumped Warbler

Setophaga coronata

6/16/2026Four Mile Run Park1 observed

Cliff Swallow

Petrochelidon pyrrhonota

6/16/2026Oxbow Lake3 observed

Common Merganser

Mergus merganser

6/15/2026Heurich Park2 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Mallard

106/19/2026

Mourning Dove

26/19/2026

Yellow-crowned Night Heron

16/19/2026

Great Egret

66/19/2026

Great Blue Heron

16/19/2026

Turkey Vulture

36/19/2026

Red-shouldered Hawk

16/19/2026

Eastern Wood-Pewee

16/19/2026

Great Crested Flycatcher

16/19/2026

Eastern Kingbird

16/19/2026

Eastern Warbling Vireo

26/19/2026

Red-eyed Vireo

16/19/2026

Fish Crow

56/19/2026

Barn Swallow

46/19/2026

Blue-gray Gnatcatcher

46/19/2026

Carolina Wren

26/19/2026

Eastern Bluebird

36/19/2026

American Robin

46/19/2026

American Goldfinch

16/19/2026

Orchard Oriole

16/19/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Visit at dawn for peak songbird activity before crowds arrive.

  2. 2

    Check flowering trees and berry-producing shrubs for seasonal migrants.

  3. 3

    Visit during mid-May for peak warbler migration.

  4. 4

    Check eBird hotspot data before visiting to see recent sightings and what species are being reported.

  5. 5

    Bring quality optics — a good pair of binoculars (8x42 or 10x42) makes all the difference in species identification.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Kenilworth Park and Aquatic Gardens for birding?
The best months to visit Kenilworth Park and Aquatic Gardens for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at Kenilworth Park and Aquatic Gardens?
Notable species at Kenilworth Park and Aquatic Gardens include Canada Goose, Mallard, American Black Duck, Green-winged Teal, Hooded Merganser, American Woodcock, Red-tailed Hawk, American Robin, White-throated Sparrow, Eastern Towhee, Northern Cardinal, Tundra Swan. The area supports urban park habitats.
How difficult is birding at Kenilworth Park and Aquatic Gardens?
Birding at Kenilworth Park and Aquatic Gardens is rated as Easy. The trails and viewing areas are accessible for birders of all experience levels.
Is there an entrance fee at Kenilworth Park and Aquatic Gardens?
There is no entrance fee at Kenilworth Park and Aquatic Gardens. Hours: Open daily, 7 AM - 4 PM.
What amenities are available at Kenilworth Park and Aquatic Gardens?
Kenilworth Park and Aquatic Gardens offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails.