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

Loading map...

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

Black Vulture

Coragyps atratus

7/16/2026Home2 observed

Merlin

Falco columbarius

7/13/2026(42.6857939, -83.3797449)1 observed

Summer Tanager

Piranga rubra

7/13/2026Bird Hills Nature Area1 observed

Broad-winged Hawk

Buteo platypterus

7/12/202610345 Denton Creek Dr, Fenton US-MI 42.76261, -83.709472 observed

Least Bittern

Botaurus exilis

7/12/2026Kensington Metropark--general (Oakland Co. only)1 observed

Common Merganser

Mergus merganser

7/10/2026Gallup Park1 observed

Yellow-bellied Sapsucker

Sphyrapicus varius

7/7/2026Newburg lake1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Wood Duck

67/12/2026

Wild Turkey

37/12/2026

Mourning Dove

47/12/2026

Sandhill Crane

47/12/2026

Great Egret

17/12/2026

Great Blue Heron

27/12/2026

Blue Jay

27/12/2026

White-breasted Nuthatch

17/12/2026

Marsh Wren

17/12/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

207/12/2026

Common Grackle

37/12/2026

Northern Cardinal

17/12/2026

Mute Swan

57/12/2026

Mallard

27/12/2026

Turkey Vulture

27/12/2026

Osprey

17/12/2026

Red-tailed Hawk

27/12/2026

Downy Woodpecker

27/12/2026

Barn Swallow

47/12/2026

Gray Catbird

17/12/2026

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.