At a Glance

Hours: Walking paths are open daily, dawn to dusk, year-round.

Cost: Free.

Tips: Best in early mornings on weekdays to avoid crowds and non-birding activities. Be aware of holidays such as Fourth of July and large planned events. ■ Portable restrooms are located near the Whole Foods Grocery Store. ■ There are restrictions on use of paved walking paths by e-bikes and such – see rules and regulations. ■ Port-a-potties are located near the Whole Foods Grocery Store, immediately to the left of the steps leading down from the parking lot to the fountain. A little bit closer to the Whole Foods, there is a concrete wheelchair ramp that goes to the port-a-potties.

Best Seasons: Year-round.

Breeding Bird Atlas Block: Savage NW

Local MOS Chapters: Howard County Bird Club

Columbia – Lake Kittamaqundi

10221 Wincopin Circle, Columbia, MD, 21044
(410) 312-6330

Lake Kittamaqundi is a birding oasis located right at the heart of downtown Columbia, Maryland. The 27-acre manmade lake was built in 1966 as the city was being developed. The lake serves as a recreational hub as well as being an integral part of the stormwater management strategy for the neighborhood. In spite of the busy urban setting with constantly evolving development, the lake attracts plenty of interesting birds and can occasionally provide rarities.

The busy Lakefront, with its fountain plaza and a local iconic landmark, the People Tree sculpture, is in effect Columbia’s town square, serving as a venue for many organized events and as a shopping and community gathering hub. The Lakefront refers to a string of buildings on the west shore of the lake – a Whole Foods Market at the south end, a hotel near the north end, and in between, a couple of restaurants – fronted by broad steps and sloping lawns leading down to the water.

A pier extends out into the water, offering a good location for scanning for birds on the main part of the lake, and a paved circuit path around the lake will lead birders through varied habitat, with a combination of cultivated and natural areas and pockets of habitat not visible from the Lakefront, which potentially harbor more birds.

Like Lake Elkhorn and Wilde Lake in Columbia, Kittamaqundi and its surrounding network of paths are managed by the Columbia Association, the local community organization that sponsors a wide array of recreational, cultural, and community services throughout the city. The small Bailey Park, on the Lakefront near the pier,  honors local World War II veteran and philanthropist Vivian C. “Millie” Bailey, and is managed by Howard County Recreation and Parks.

Lake Kittamaqundi is oriented roughly north to south with the Little Patuxent River running parallel to it on the east side; beyond the river is the busy Route 29 highway. The lake is fed mainly by a stream from Wilde Lake flowing into the north section. There is also a small drainage cut at the northern tip. At the south end, the lake flows out over a small spillway which connects to the Little Patuxent River.

The 1.4 mile paved circuit path around the lake has side branches that can bring a walk to a total of just over 2 miles one way. The Lake to Lake to Lake Trail connects Kittamaqundi to Wilde Lake to the north and to Lake Elkhorn to the south.

The main part of the lake can be viewed from the Lakefront and pier with a clear view down to the south end. However, birders have not seen the entire lake until they have walked up to the north section, hidden from view at the Lakefront by the contours of the lake. A curve in the path by the hotel offers a good view of the north section. Continuing north on the path (crossing a footbridge over the stream from Wilde Lake) to the far north end leads to another view and a narrow inlet which sometimes conceals birds not visible from other points. Note also a spot with a bench overlooking the north section, allowing a look back along the shore to spot any lurking birds not visible from the hotel point. If they are not out in the open, birds such as Wood Duck, Gadwall, Green-Winged Teal, Black-Crowned Night Heron, and others could be sheltering here. The mud bank at the mouth of the inlet occasionally attracts one or two Spotted Sandpipers or Solitary Sandpipers. Killdeer is another shorebird that can show up here.

On the way to the north end of the lake from the hotel, the circuit path connects to a branch path lined with mulched exercise stations that leads to Wilde Lake. A signpost at the path junction will help you get your bearings. Birders interested in visiting Wilde Lake should be aware that the footpath comes out at a long pedestrian crossing on Little Patuxent Parkway and we recommend driving to Wilde Lake instead of walking, as this crosswalk goes through heavy traffic and can be dangerous. However, the path from Lake Kittamqundi as far as the crosswalk is worth the walk for birders as it leads along the stream from Wilde Lake and through wet woodland habitat. For example, there is a wet area situated around a triangular path junction connecting to a residential neighborhood. When water is standing in it, the pool can attract a lot of birds, including Northern Waterthrush. The restored stream from Wilde Lake, more visible from the path at the top end closer to the parkway, is also an attractive habitat for many birds. Yellow-crowned Night Heron has been known to turn up there.

The path along the east side of the lake runs between the lake and the parallel Little Patuxent River. There are good views of the river and its shallows, mainly along the more northern section of the path. Look here for Green Heron, Wood Duck, Waterthrush, and Solitary Sandpiper. Across the river is a wide belt of woods tantalizingly out of reach for a visit on foot but worth watching. The central and south part of the east side path runs through Kennedy Gardens, an attractive spot with a variety of plantings, including ornamental cherry trees. This part of the path offers more open views of the main part of the lake and of the Lakefront across the lake. Butterflies can be found anywhere around the lake, but this part is particularly good with emphasis on native plants in the cultivated areas.

At the south end of the lake is the spillway connecting to the Little Patuxent River. Nearby, a branch path leads south to South Entrance Road and offers more views of the river. The disused bridge over the river, dating from 1919, can be a useful viewing platform. Further along is a wide open area, at the time of this writing being used as a construction storage and staging site. The abundance of wildflowers here makes it another good place for butterflies (including the Common Checkered-Skipper, not so easy to find in Howard County in recent years).

Back at the south end of the lake, a ramp leads up to a pedestrian bridge over Route 29. Still on the Lake Kittamaqundi side, the ramp offers elevated views of the river and the spillway stream flowing into it. It is also an opportunity for a closer view of the middle to top level of the surrounding trees. Crossing the pedestrian bridge leads to a trail through the woods east of MD Route 29 – this is a section of the Lake to Lake to Lake Trail, and can be a productive side expedition, especially during migration.

A shorter branch path at the maintenance boat ramp near the south end of the lake leads up a slope through a patch of deciduous woods next to an apartment complex. This path is certainly worth investigating if time allows – warblers and Wood Thrush may be found here during migration.

Across South Entrance Road beyond the lake’s south end is Merriweather Park at Symphony Woods, the site of the Merriweather Post Pavilion (a large performance venue) and the adjacent Chrysalis outdoor stage. The surrounding deciduous woods at Merriweather Park can be a productive location for birds. Because the pedestrian crossing at the junction of South Entrance Road and Little Patuxent Parkway isn’t the safest, we recommend driving to Merriweather Park rather than walking. Free parking can be found in large lots west of Merriweather Drive and south of Divided Sky Lane. Next to the Divided Sky Lane parking lot, a restored stream and wetland crossed by an excellent boardwalk provides a look at good habitat. And if it happens to be Wine in the Woods weekend or if another large event is underway, you might want to avoid it (or bird while enjoying these events).

Birders should be mindful that the lakeside paths are part of Columbia’s popular public path system and are used by people engaged in non-birding activities, such as jogging, cycling, dog walking, etc. People are out in full force in nice weather, and on weekdays maintenance such as leaf-blowing and lawn mowing can be in progress. Noise from nearby Route 29 east of the lake can be intrusive when you are on that side, especially closer to the lake’s south end. Late in summer, one or two water-weed-eating boats are often busy clearing the aquatic vegetation which tends to surge at that time of year. Lake Kittamaqundi is also the site of Columbia’s official July 4th fireworks display. The fireworks are launched from the east side of the lake, and the east side path is closed for a few says around July 4th – and of course the Lakefront is packed with people on the day. Keep all of this in mind as you plan your visit, ideally in early morning on a weekday.

Birdlife:

The eBird hotspot for Lake Kittamaqundi lists 194+ species. There are also separate hotspots for three adjacent areas:

Despite its small-city setting, Lake Kittamaqundi can turn up its share of interesting birds. Most of the common species typical of suburbs can be found here. Regular breeding birds include Red-Shouldered Hawk, Great Blue Heron, Green Heron, Baltimore and Orchard Orioles, Pileated and other woodpeckers, several flycatcher species, and the usual ubiquitous waterfowl species (Mallard, Canada Goose) and also Wood Duck. Ospreys visit often during summer and can be seen in pairs, sometimes with a third present. Great Egret also visits later in the summer, and Black-Crowned Night Heron has been seen regularly during summer in recent years

Warbling Vireo in particular is attracted to this lake, and several can be heard in different spots in a walk around it during summer. Such is their persistence at the end of the season, that Warbling Vireos can get flagged on eBird for being late or for a high count of three or more.

Spring and fall migrations bring warblers and vireos, too. Winter brings a good variety of waterfowl.

Rarities  have included an adult Little Blue Heron; a pair of Trumpeter Swans; Philadelphia Vireo; Olive-Backed Flycatcher; and a male Prothonotary Warbler lingering and earnestly looking for a mate.

Wheelchair Access:

The loop trail immediately adjacent to the lake is paved, but there are slopes that may require assistance. Several wheelchair-accessible sloped ramps connect the different levels of the Lakefront, beginning with a ramp from the parking area and winding through Bailey Park.  Heading north from the Lakefront, passing along the restaurant promenade, will lead down a relatively steep incline. Port-a-Potties are located near the Whole Foods Grocery Store, immediately to the left of the steps leading down from the parking lot to the fountain. A little bit closer to the Whole Foods, to the right of the steps, there is a concrete wheelchair ramp that goes to the Port-a-Potties.

Pet Policy:

Pets are allowed on leash; pick up after your pet and take the waste with you.

Special Features:

With its bustling level of daily activity, numerous restaurants, children’s play areas, and shopping possibilities, Lake Kittamaqundi is a natural for multi-generational family visit, as a date venue for birding couples, or even as a destination for a bird club gathering featuring a casual meal.

Biking is permitted on the paved pathways, but there are restrictions on use by e-bikes and such – see rules and regulations.

Fishing is permitted in the lake, except in posted areas. See fishing regulations here (scroll down past the boating regulations).

It is also possible to launch a canoe or kayak, but this requires a permit obtained in advance. The boat must be carried from the car parking lot to the lakeshore, as cars are not permitted to drive on the paved paths. See boating regulations here.

Swimming is not allowed.

There are portable toilets in a row near the top of the steps from the parking lot (see lake map at link at left) near the Whole Foods. The Lakefront restaurants, the hotel, and the Whole Foods have restrooms for customers.

Local MOS Chapter:

The local MOS Chapter is the  Howard County Bird Club , which hosts bird walks and meeting lectures; most events are free and open to the public. See the Howard County Bird Club’s calendar for more information.

The Howard County Bird Club’s website includes a detailed online guide, “Birding Howard County.” Edited by Joanne Solem, the online guide replaces an older printed guide, now out-of-print. The website is up-to-date and extremely detailed. Check it out!

Parking:

Street address: 10221 Wincopin Circle, Columbia, MD, 21044. Click here for Google map. This is the address for the Lakefront buildings that house restaurants and shopping. Parking will be visible as you near that building.

GPS Coordinates: 39.215432, -76.856363.

There is a series of large paved parking lots (no fee for parking) on the west side of the lake, between Little Patuxent Parkway and Wincopin Circle. There is also garage parking in the same vicinity (may have a fee); see lake map PDF at link at left or Google map.

Directions:

From I-70 between Frederick and Baltimore: Take Exit 87 for US Route 29 Southbound. Follow Route 29 south for approximately 5.3 miles. Then take Exit 20B toward the Columbia Town Center, merging onto Little Patuxent Parkway southbound.  Continue south on Little Patuxent Parkway for about 0.9 miles, then turn left onto Wincopin Circle. Turn left again at the first intersection to follow Wincopin Circle south; You will see a parking garage on your left, or if you continue south one block, there will be surface-level parking lots ahead and to your right.

From Annapolis or the Eastern Shore via the Chesapeake Bay Bridge: After crossing the Bay on US Route 50/US Route 301 on the Bay Bridge, continue straight ahead toward Annapolis. Take Exit 16A to merge onto I-97 Northbound. Follow I-97 north for 7.8 miles, bearing right to take the unnumbered exit for MD Route 32 west toward Columbia. Stay on MD Route 32 westbound for approximately 17.2 miles, then take Exit 16A for US Route 29 northbound. Follow Route 29 for 1.6 miles, then take Exit 18 onto Broken Land Parkway northbound. Stay on Broken Land Parkway for 1.4 miles, then turn right to go east and then north on Little Patuxent Parkway. As you go north on Little Patuxent Parkway, the Lake Kittamaqundi Lakefront will be on your right, with the large Whole Foods building easily visible. Turn right onto Wincopin Circle to find parking in either a surface lot or a parking garage.

Nearby Sites: 

Howard County: Centennial Lake & Park ■ Columbia – Lake ElkhornColumbia – Wilde Lake ■ David Force Natural Resource Area ■ Howard County Conservancy – Mount Pleasant Farm ■  Middle Patuxent Environmental Area ■ Patapsco Valley State Park – Daniels Area ■ Patapsco Valley State Park – Henryton ■ Patuxent River State Park – Annapolis Rock Road Area ■ Patuxent River State Park – Hipsley Mill Road Area ■ Rockburn Branch Park ■ Schooley Mill Park ■ Triadelphia Reservoir (Brighton Dam)Western Regional Park

Habitats:

Bottomland Deciduous ForestsUpland Deciduous Forests Garden or ArboretumLawn, Ballfields, Golf CourseUrban or Small Town Landscape Freshwater Marsh or FloodplainFreshwater Pond, Lake, or ReservoirRivers & Streams

Features and Amenities:

BeginnersBicycle Trails (Bikes may be prohibited on some trails)BoardwalkBoat or Canoe/Kayak LaunchFishingFree - No Entry Fee at Any TimeHiking/Walking TrailsParkingPets AllowedPlaygroundRestroomsSnack Bar, Camp Store, Food ConcessionsWater ViewWheelchair Accessible FeaturesYoung People / Families

Type:

Community and Urban ParksPonds, Lakes, and Reservoirs