a group of large rocks in the middle of a desert

Chatfield State Park - Audubon Center & Trails

Colorado · Rocky Mountains

Habitat
MountainForest
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Easy

Best Months

June-October

Entrance Fee

$10 daily vehicle pass

Hours

Open daily, 5:00 AM - 10:00 PM

About This Location

Chatfield State Park - Audubon Center & Trails is a productive birding destination in Colorado, with 280 species recorded on eBird. This mountain and forest habitat attracts Canada Goose, Mallard, and Hooded Merganser 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

Black-headed Grosbeak

Pheucticus melanocephalus

4/14/2026Yard1 observed

Broad-winged Hawk

Buteo platypterus

4/14/2026Dinosaur Ridge Hawkwatch1 observed

Northern House Wren

Troglodytes aedon

4/14/2026Trading Post Trail, Morrison US-CO 39.65716, -105.200441 observed

Brown-headed Cowbird

Molothrus ater

4/14/2026Cherry Creek SP--12 Mile Trail2 observed

Common Poorwill

Phalaenoptilus nuttallii

4/14/2026South Valley Park1 observed

Evening Grosbeak (Rocky Mountains or type 4)

Hesperiphona vespertina

4/13/2026Beaver Ranch Park1 observed

Common Yellowthroat

Geothlypis trichas

4/13/2026Cherry Creek SP--Cottonwood Creek Wetlands1 observed

Hermit Thrush

Catharus guttatus

4/13/2026Marjorie Perry Nature Preserve1 observed

Black x Eastern Phoebe (hybrid)

Sayornis nigricans x phoebe

4/12/2026Bear Creek Greenbelt--S Kipling Pkwy to S Wadsworth Blvd1 observed

Gray Catbird

Dumetella carolinensis

4/12/2026GWalbek's Yard1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Wood Duck

24/13/2026

Mallard

34/13/2026

Hooded Merganser

24/13/2026

Northern Flicker

14/13/2026

Northern Rough-winged Swallow

14/13/2026

White-crowned Sparrow

14/13/2026

Spotted Towhee

14/13/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

54/13/2026

Canada Goose

44/13/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

24/13/2026

Osprey

14/13/2026

Say's Phoebe

14/13/2026

Black-capped Chickadee

24/13/2026

Tree Swallow

84/13/2026

House Finch

14/13/2026

Lesser Goldfinch

14/13/2026

American Goldfinch

24/13/2026

Song Sparrow

24/13/2026

Common Goldeneye

14/13/2026

Mourning Dove

34/13/2026

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

    Consider purchasing an annual parks pass if you plan to visit multiple times.

  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 - Audubon Center & Trails for birding?
The best months to visit Chatfield State Park - Audubon Center & Trails for birding are June-October. The best seasons are Summer and Fall.
What birds can I see at Chatfield State Park - Audubon Center & Trails?
Notable species at Chatfield State Park - Audubon Center & Trails include Canada Goose, Mallard, Hooded Merganser, Red-tailed Hawk, Downy Woodpecker, Ring-necked Duck, Bufflehead, Common Goldeneye, Red-winged Blackbird, Eurasian Collared-Dove, Greater White-fronted Goose, Northern Shoveler. The area supports mountain, forest habitats.
How difficult is birding at Chatfield State Park - Audubon Center & Trails?
Birding at Chatfield State Park - Audubon Center & Trails 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 - Audubon Center & Trails?
The entrance fee at Chatfield State Park - Audubon Center & Trails is $10 daily vehicle pass. Hours: Open daily, 5:00 AM - 10:00 PM.
What amenities are available at Chatfield State Park - Audubon Center & Trails?
Chatfield State Park - Audubon Center & Trails offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails, Visitor Center.