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

Cape May Warbler

Setophaga tigrina

4/22/2026Bluemont Park1 observed

Veery

Catharus fuscescens

4/22/2026Bluemont Park1 observed

Nashville Warbler

Leiothlypis ruficapilla

4/22/20265005 37th Avenue, Hyattsville, Maryland, US (38.951, -76.959)1 observed

Black-throated Blue Warbler

Setophaga caerulescens

4/22/2026Patuxent Branch Trail1 observed

Vesper Sparrow

Pooecetes gramineus

4/21/2026BARC--Farming Systems Project (sanctioned groups only)1 observed

Little Blue Heron

Egretta caerulea

4/21/2026BARC -- Greenbelt-Beaverdam Creek (sanctioned groups only)1 observed

Black-throated Green Warbler

Setophaga virens

4/21/2026Gorman - Kindler1 observed

Northern Waterthrush

Parkesia noveboracensis

4/20/2026Patuxent Research Refuge--South Tract (National Wildlife Visitor Center)1 observed

Scarlet Tanager

Piranga olivacea

4/20/20263246–3298 Bottner Rd, Davidsonville US-MD 38.96566, -76.679241 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

34/22/2026

Mallard

44/22/2026

Chimney Swift

184/22/2026

Spotted Sandpiper

34/22/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

14/22/2026

Osprey

14/22/2026

Bald Eagle

24/22/2026

Red-bellied Woodpecker

24/22/2026

Pileated Woodpecker

14/22/2026

Blue Jay

44/22/2026

Fish Crow

24/22/2026

Tufted Titmouse

54/22/2026

Bank Swallow

14/22/2026

Tree Swallow

54/22/2026

Northern Rough-winged Swallow

44/22/2026

Barn Swallow

54/22/2026

Blue-gray Gnatcatcher

54/22/2026

Northern House Wren

14/22/2026

Carolina Wren

24/22/2026

Gray Catbird

14/22/2026

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.