As far as time and seasons are concerned, The South Beargrass Retention Basin tends to be most productive during the morning hours. Birding is best during migration, especially April through May and August through October, but can be good for resident birds in winter. Summer can be good for select target species, but can also be hot, unproductive birding with annoying overgrowth on the path around the basin (depending on when the grass has last been mowed).

Focus most of your attention on the low-lying field inside of the basin, as well as the trees on the north side of the basin next to the creek. The basin tends to hold good sparrow activity as well as other species that enjoy the cover of taller grasses and scrub.  The trees along the creek are the primary place to look for warblers, vireos, flycatchers, and other migrants that prefer forested habitats.

The two areas that shorebirds tend to visit are the south side of the peninsula in the central part of the main basin, as well as the south shoreline as viewed from the concrete spillway due west of the entrance gate.  The level of water in these areas can be highly variable, sometimes with mud covering large parts of the eastern end of the basin, and other times with it leaving no mud visible.

During the breeding season, the retention basin is home to several Black-crowned Night-Herons and on occasion a Yellow-crowned Night-Heron.  Willow Flycatchers also breed in the bushes around the retention basin, making it one of the more dependable spots for the species during the summer months in Jefferson County.

In migration, the retention basin's mix of running water, a pond, small mudflats (depending on water level), thick brush, and a low marshy field make an exceptional location for finding migrant species.  Many species of warblers, tanagers, and vireos that can be found in Kentucky have been spotted here as well as more uncommon species such as Bobolink and Grasshopper Sparrow.  The retention basin has also played host to several rarer sparrow species including Clay-colored Sparrow, Brewer's Sparrow, and Lark Sparrow.

The best way to access the basin is by parking in the parking lot for Seven Counties Services (4710 Champions Trace Lane) and then entering through the space on the side of the chain-link fence.  Note that while the fence and signage are uninviting, the basin is open from the opposite corner to the local apartment complex, and you will often see residents from those apartments going on walks around the basin. 

The basin is a wonderful migrant trap but is often overlooked because it is not one of the most beautiful places to bird.  There are grocery carts and trash littering the basin and there have been homeless people have camped out in the trees on the creek embankment.  Still, if you arrive on the right day during migration, you can find many species that are difficult to otherwise pick up in Jefferson county.

There is only one main trail around the perimeter of the basin. Some off-trail walking can be quite productive in the low-lying field inside of the main basin as well as along the creek south of the basin and west of the adjacent apartment complex.