a wooden fence with a sign on it that says, resources protection area keep out

Kensington Metropark - general (Oakland County only)

Michigan · Midwest

Habitat
GrasslandWetland
Best Seasons
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

Baltimore Oriole

Icterus galbula

4/18/2026backyard1 observed

Chimney Swift

Chaetura pelagica

4/18/2026Furstenberg Park5 observed

Northern Yellow Warbler

Setophaga aestiva

4/18/2026Furstenberg Park1 observed

Western Cattle-Egret

Ardea ibis

4/18/2026Indian Springs Metropark1 observed

Gray Catbird

Dumetella carolinensis

4/18/2026Dolph Nature Area1 observed

Palm Warbler

Setophaga palmarum

4/17/2026Maybury SP1 observed

American White Pelican

Pelecanus erythrorhynchos

4/17/2026US-23 N, Whitmore Lake US-MI (42.3457,-83.7459)10 observed

Common Yellowthroat

Geothlypis trichas

4/17/2026Indian Springs Metropark1 observed

Green Heron

Butorides virescens

4/17/2026Windswept Farm1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Barred Owl

14/18/2026

Canada Goose

4/18/2026

Mute Swan

4/18/2026

Mourning Dove

4/18/2026

Sandhill Crane

4/18/2026

Red-tailed Hawk

4/18/2026

Red-bellied Woodpecker

4/18/2026

Downy Woodpecker

4/18/2026

Pileated Woodpecker

4/18/2026

Blue Jay

4/18/2026

Black-capped Chickadee

4/18/2026

Tufted Titmouse

4/18/2026

White-breasted Nuthatch

4/18/2026

American Robin

4/18/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

4/18/2026

Common Grackle

4/18/2026

Northern Cardinal

4/18/2026

Killdeer

14/18/2026

Great Blue Heron

24/18/2026

Northern Flicker

14/18/2026

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.