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

Mississippi Kite

Ictinia mississippiensis

8/24/2026MIKI Spot1 observed

Louisiana Waterthrush

Parkesia motacilla

8/24/2026Rock Creek Park--Peirce Mill1 observed

Yellow-bellied Flycatcher

Empidonax flaviventris

8/24/2026Ken-Gar Palisades Park1 observed

Tennessee Warbler

Leiothlypis peregrina

8/24/2026Riverbend Park2 observed

Common Merganser

Mergus merganser

8/24/2026Anacostia Riverwalk Trail, Hyattsville, Maryland, US (38.929, -76.94)2 observed

Tricolored Heron

Egretta tricolor

8/24/2026Anacostia Riverwalk Trail, Hyattsville, Maryland, US (38.929, -76.94)1 observed

Swainson's Thrush

Catharus ustulatus

8/24/2026Garrett Park (town)1 observed

Black Tern

Chlidonias niger

8/23/2026Fort Washington Marina3 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Mallard

28/23/2026

Great Egret

38/23/2026

Turkey Vulture

18/23/2026

Osprey

18/23/2026

Red-shouldered Hawk

18/23/2026

Belted Kingfisher

18/23/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

18/23/2026

Wood Duck

38/23/2026

Rock Pigeon

58/23/2026

Ruby-throated Hummingbird

28/23/2026

Great Blue Heron

28/23/2026

Eastern Phoebe

18/23/2026

Eastern Kingbird

18/23/2026

Fish Crow

38/23/2026

Blue-gray Gnatcatcher

18/23/2026

Carolina Wren

58/23/2026

European Starling

18/23/2026

Gray Catbird

48/23/2026

Northern Mockingbird

18/23/2026

American Robin

48/23/2026

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.