Mountain birding habitat

Chatfield State Park - Marina Sandspit

Colorado · Rocky Mountains

Habitat
MountainForest
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Easy

Best Months

June-October

About This Location

Chatfield State Park - Marina Sandspit is a productive birding destination in Colorado, with 265 species recorded on eBird. This mountain and forest habitat attracts Canada Goose, Northern Shoveler, and Gadwall 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

Yellow-crowned Night Heron

Nyctanassa violacea

7/21/2026Clear Creek Trail--Golden to I-701 observed

Green Heron

Butorides virescens

7/20/2026Bluff Lake Nature Center1 observed

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

Pine Siskin

Spinus pinus

7/19/2026Denver City Park1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

397/20/2026

Mallard

347/20/2026

Common Merganser

167/20/2026

Broad-tailed Hummingbird

27/20/2026

Killdeer

17/20/2026

Spotted Sandpiper

57/20/2026

Ring-billed Gull

47/20/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

317/20/2026

Snowy Egret

287/20/2026

Great Blue Heron

177/20/2026

Belted Kingfisher

17/20/2026

Say's Phoebe

17/20/2026

Western Kingbird

27/20/2026

Black-billed Magpie

37/20/2026

Horned Lark

67/20/2026

Barn Swallow

47/20/2026

Cliff Swallow

27/20/2026

House Finch

47/20/2026

American Goldfinch

17/20/2026

Lark Sparrow

47/20/2026

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.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Chatfield State Park - Marina Sandspit for birding?
The best months to visit Chatfield State Park - Marina Sandspit for birding are June-October. The best seasons are Summer and Fall.
What birds can I see at Chatfield State Park - Marina Sandspit?
Notable species at Chatfield State Park - Marina Sandspit include Canada Goose, Northern Shoveler, Gadwall, Mallard, Ring-billed Gull. The area supports mountain, forest habitats.
How difficult is birding at Chatfield State Park - Marina Sandspit?
Birding at Chatfield State Park - Marina Sandspit is rated as Easy. The trails and viewing areas are accessible for birders of all experience levels.
What amenities are available at Chatfield State Park - Marina Sandspit?
Chatfield State Park - Marina Sandspit offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails, Visitor Center.