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

Ovenbird

Seiurus aurocapilla

6/2/202616th Street, Denver US-CO (39.7490,-104.9969)1 observed

Veery

Catharus fuscescens

6/2/202611338–11398 Waterton Rd, Littleton US-CO 39.49130, -105.093231 observed

American Redstart

Setophaga ruticilla

6/2/2026West Washington Park (Neighborhood)2 observed

Neotropic Cormorant

Nannopterum brasilianum

6/2/2026Cherry Creek SP--Marina & nearby Dam Trail1 observed

Western Warbling Vireo

Vireo swainsoni

6/2/2026McLellen Reservoir1 observed

Least Flycatcher

Empidonax minimus

6/2/2026Cherry Creek SP--Wetlands Preserve1 observed

Eastern Wood-Pewee

Contopus virens

6/2/2026Cherry Creek State Park, Aurora US-CO 39.62662, -104.842371 observed

Black Phoebe

Sayornis nigricans

6/2/2026South Platte Park--East Trail South4 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Northern House Wren

16/2/2026

American Robin

16/2/2026

House Finch

16/2/2026

Spotted Towhee

36/2/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

56/2/2026

Northern Yellow Warbler

26/2/2026

Broad-tailed Hummingbird

26/2/2026

Osprey

46/2/2026

Western Wood-Pewee

26/2/2026

Yellow-breasted Chat

16/2/2026

Great Blue Heron

16/2/2026

Western Kingbird

16/2/2026

Lesser Goldfinch

16/2/2026

Say's Phoebe

16/2/2026

Woodhouse's Scrub-Jay

26/2/2026

American Crow

26/2/2026

Black-capped Chickadee

16/2/2026

Common Grackle

26/2/2026

Canada Goose

36/1/2026

Mallard

36/1/2026

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.