Fort Young Park

This relatively small, developed park is mostly tailored towards sports and picnics. However, its location along the Jackson River, riparian tree growth, and a small wildflower garden that backs up to a patch of pine woods can nonetheless offer productive birding when park patrons are scarce. The Helen Childs Memorial Wildflower Garden backs up to a small patch of pine woodlands with a scrubby understory that can support Hermit Thrushes and Fox Sparrows. The river is always worth a check for the many species of waterfowl that spend the non-breeding season in the region.

Accessibility: Fort Young Park is open to the public daily from Sunrise to Sunset. Parking for dozens of vehicles is available.

Owner/Manager & Official Website: City of Covington Parks & Recreation

eBird Primary Hotspot: Fort Young Park

—Nick Newberry

Main Street Park

With immediate access to the river and a thin riparian zone, this small city park has realized potential for waterfowl, shorebirds, and neotropical passerines. There is a gravel bar on the upstream side of the park that is the best area to find river going shorebirds like Spotted and Solitary Sandpipers and Killdeer. The gravel bar also hosts a scrubby area that may be productive for sparrows and skulky warblers. Scanning the large sycamores along the riparian corridor may produce views of a nesting Baltimore Oriole. 
Since this is next to a playground, it is advisable to avoid peak playground hours on nice days.

Accessibility: Main Street park has a small parking area and is open to visitors 7 days a week. 

Owner/Manager & Official Website: City of Covington Parks & Recreation

eBird Hotspot: Main Street Park

—Nick Newberry