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

Northern Mockingbird

Mimus polyglottos

6/1/2026Robert H. Long Park1 observed

Summer Tanager

Piranga rubra

6/1/2026Bird Hills Nature Area1 observed

Least Bittern

Botaurus exilis

5/31/2026Rose Oaks County Park2 observed

American Bittern

Botaurus lentiginosus

5/31/2026Rose Oaks County Park1 observed

Common Merganser

Mergus merganser

5/30/2026Gallup Park1 observed

Pine Siskin

Spinus pinus

5/30/2026My Best Home1 observed

White-throated Sparrow

Zonotrichia albicollis

5/28/2026Kensington Metropark--general (Oakland Co. only)2 observed

Yellow-rumped Warbler

Setophaga coronata

5/28/2026Kensington Metropark--general (Oakland Co. only)3 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Mute Swan

46/1/2026

Wild Turkey

36/1/2026

Mourning Dove

16/1/2026

Sandhill Crane

36/1/2026

Killdeer

16/1/2026

Great Blue Heron

16/1/2026

Turkey Vulture

16/1/2026

Osprey

16/1/2026

Red-headed Woodpecker

16/1/2026

Red-bellied Woodpecker

36/1/2026

Eastern Kingbird

16/1/2026

Blue Jay

16/1/2026

Black-capped Chickadee

56/1/2026

Tufted Titmouse

26/1/2026

White-breasted Nuthatch

16/1/2026

Wood Thrush

16/1/2026

American Robin

36/1/2026

House Finch

46/1/2026

American Goldfinch

16/1/2026

Chipping Sparrow

26/1/2026

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.