a body of water surrounded by lots of trees

Chatfield State Park

Colorado · Rocky Mountains

Habitat
MountainForest
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Easy

Best Months

June-October

Entrance Fee

$10 per vehicle

Hours

Open daily, 5 AM - 10 PM

About This Location

Chatfield State Park is a productive birding destination in Colorado, with 334 species recorded on eBird. This mountain and forest habitat attracts Canada Goose, Gadwall, and Mallard among many others. Elevation changes create diverse habitats, from riparian valleys to alpine meadows, supporting a wide range of species.

Location

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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

Hooded Warbler

Setophaga citrina

8/24/2026Bear Creek Park (Denver)2 observed

Pine Siskin

Spinus pinus

8/24/2026yard1 observed

Cackling Goose

Branta hutchinsii

8/23/2026Meadowlake Park1 observed

Least Flycatcher

Empidonax minimus

8/23/2026Denver City Park1 observed

Red-necked Grebe

Podiceps grisegena

8/23/2026Cherry Creek SP1 observed

Orchard Oriole

Icterus spurius

8/23/2026Bear Creek Park (Denver)1 observed

Ash-throated Flycatcher

Myiarchus cinerascens

8/22/2026Lowell Ponds Open Space1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

638/24/2026

Wood Duck

18/24/2026

Mallard

98/24/2026

Common Merganser

68/24/2026

Broad-tailed Hummingbird

18/24/2026

Spotted Sandpiper

18/24/2026

Baird's Sandpiper

38/24/2026

Ring-billed Gull

68/24/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

1108/24/2026

American White Pelican

38/24/2026

Osprey

18/24/2026

Bald Eagle

18/24/2026

Belted Kingfisher

18/24/2026

Say's Phoebe

18/24/2026

Black-billed Magpie

28/24/2026

Tree Swallow

28/24/2026

Violet-green Swallow

18/24/2026

Barn Swallow

108/24/2026

House Finch

48/24/2026

Lesser Goldfinch

18/24/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Bring layers as mountain weather changes rapidly at elevation.

  2. 2

    Check exposed ridges and thermals for soaring raptors and swifts.

  3. 3

    Acclimate to altitude before hiking to high-elevation birding spots.

  4. 4

    Purchase your day pass online in advance to avoid wait times at the entrance station.

  5. 5

    Scan the canopy edges at dawn for migrating warblers and other songbirds during spring and fall.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Chatfield State Park for birding?
The best months to visit Chatfield State Park for birding are June-October. The best seasons are Summer and Fall.
What birds can I see at Chatfield State Park?
Notable species at Chatfield State Park include Canada Goose, Gadwall, Mallard, Common Goldeneye, Hooded Merganser, Cinnamon Teal, Northern Shoveler, Green-winged Teal, Ring-necked Duck, Bufflehead, Rock Pigeon, Ring-billed Gull. The area supports mountain, forest habitats.
How difficult is birding at Chatfield State Park?
Birding at Chatfield State Park is rated as Easy. The trails and viewing areas are accessible for birders of all experience levels.
Is there an entrance fee at Chatfield State Park?
The entrance fee at Chatfield State Park is $10 per vehicle. Hours: Open daily, 5 AM - 10 PM.
What amenities are available at Chatfield State Park?
Chatfield State Park offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails, Visitor Center.