Lake Kittamaqundi
Columbia Maryland 21044
This 27-acre lake in downtown Columbia is not only a focus of community and commercial activities, but a productive destination for birders.
Amenities: Parking available only on the west side of the lake. Lot on Little Patuxent Parkway in the vicinity of Whole Foods is most frequently used, although long-term construction puts that location in constant flux. Portable toilets left of the first set of steps along a ramp. A 1.4 mile paved path with a few benches encircles the lake. Footbridges span a stream from Wilde Lake and several drainage channels. An elevated boardwalk/footbridge crosses the wetland at the north (wildlife) end. Attractions at the lake include the Kennedy Gardens on the southeast side featuring native plantings, a dock with a carillon on the west side, and a Fitness Circuit Trail on the northwest side. Fishing is allowed with a valid license. Food, drink, and accommodations are available on the west side.
Handicapped Access: The lake circuit path is completely paved and generally level with the exception of one slope at the north end that might require assistance. Ramps from the main parking lot allow access to the Lakefront, although on-going construction may pose challenges.
Habitat: Rather shallow lake (maximum depth 7 feet) with little or no emergent vegetation, shrubby or forested edges, mown grass, Kennedy Gardens, and a section of the Little Patuxent River floodplain. Commercial buildings and public gathering spots predominate on the west side. In the lake, two slender vegetated peninsulas help to reduce sediment flow and roughly divide the northern wildlife end from the southern people-dominated section. Several small floating vegetated platforms help filter the water.
Layout: Access is from the west or south sides of the lake. The pier below the main parking lot provides a good view of much of the southern two-thirds of the lake. A plastic owl figure comes and goes in that vicinity–one of several deterrents used to discourage geese and gulls from using the pier. The Kennedy Gardens on the central/southeast side not only attract birds to the native plants and grasses, but are also attractive to butterflies. The elevated bridge/boardwalk at the north end offers an opportunity to look into a wet wooded area. At the opposite end, a branch of the circuit path leads south along the river through maturing deciduous woods and meadows. Eventually, one reaches a portion of the old South Entrance Road which includes a cement one-lane bridge built in 1919. The bridge is a good viewing site, although the noisy highway is only a few feet away.
Because Lake Kittamaqundi is relatively narrow, it may not be necessary to walk entirely around it to check for certain individuals or groups of birds; scanning from the west side is often sufficient. The north end usually has the most bird diversity. Many birders check this lake in conjunction with a visit to Wilde Lake. Birds move frequently between the two lakes or, occasionally, fly east to Lake Elkhorn.
Compilers: Clayton Koonce and Joanne Solem
