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

Peregrine Falcon

Falco peregrinus

7/20/2026Sagebrush Park, Aurora US-CO 39.63117, -104.814991 observed

Northern Pintail

Anas acuta

7/20/2026Cherry Creek SP--Pelican Point area5 observed

Brewer's Sparrow

Spizella breweri

7/20/2026Cherry Creek SP--Wetlands Preserve1 observed

Least Flycatcher

Empidonax minimus

7/20/2026Cherry Creek SP--Wetlands Preserve1 observed

Semipalmated Plover

Charadrius semipalmatus

7/20/2026Cherry Creek SP--Wetlands Preserve1 observed

Red Crossbill

Loxia curvirostra

7/20/2026Cherry Creek SP--Wetlands Preserve4 observed

Western Tanager

Piranga ludoviciana

7/19/20261809 E Tufts Ave1 observed

Eastern Wood-Pewee

Contopus virens

7/19/2026Cherry Creek SP--Cottonwood Creek Wetlands1 observed

Bobolink

Dolichonyx oryzivorus

7/18/2026South Valley Park--Mann Reservoir1 observed

Curve-billed Thrasher

Toxostoma curvirostre

7/17/202613900 E Briarwood Ave, Centennial US-CO 39.59244, -104.826581 observed

Ruby-crowned Kinglet

Corthylio calendula

7/17/2026Holland House (Centennial)1 observed

Lesser Black-backed Gull

Larus fuscus

7/17/2026Cherry Creek SP--Pelican Point area1 observed

American Pipit

Anthus rubescens

7/17/20263842 Whispering Sage Street, Evergreen, Colorado, US (39.645, -105.342)1 observed

Neotropic Cormorant

Nannopterum brasilianum

7/17/2026Cherry Creek SP--Marina & nearby Dam Trail1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Mourning Dove

17/19/2026

Killdeer

17/19/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

17/19/2026

Western Wood-Pewee

17/19/2026

American Crow

17/19/2026

Black-capped Chickadee

27/19/2026

White-breasted Nuthatch

27/19/2026

Northern House Wren

27/19/2026

Gray Catbird

27/19/2026

American Robin

47/19/2026

House Finch

87/19/2026

Lesser Goldfinch

17/19/2026

Spotted Towhee

57/19/2026

Northern Yellow Warbler

17/19/2026

Lazuli Bunting

27/19/2026

Canada Goose

27/19/2026

Broad-tailed Hummingbird

37/19/2026

Great Blue Heron

27/19/2026

Cooper's Hawk

17/19/2026

Red-tailed Hawk

17/19/2026

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.