Coastal birding habitat

Chatfield State Park - Swim Beach

Colorado · Rocky Mountains

Habitat
Coastal
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Easy

Best Months

June-October

About This Location

Chatfield State Park - Swim Beach is a productive birding destination in Colorado, with 236 species recorded on eBird. This coastal habitat attracts Cackling Goose, Canada Goose, 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

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

Red Crossbill (Ponderosa Pine or type 2)

Loxia curvirostra

7/19/2026Archer's house1 observed

Bobolink

Dolichonyx oryzivorus

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

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

707/9/2026

Mallard

137/9/2026

Mourning Dove

17/9/2026

Killdeer

17/9/2026

Spotted Sandpiper

27/9/2026

Ring-billed Gull

197/9/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

17/9/2026

Great Blue Heron

17/9/2026

Osprey

27/9/2026

Belted Kingfisher

17/9/2026

Northern Flicker

17/9/2026

Western Kingbird

17/9/2026

Black-billed Magpie

17/9/2026

Tree Swallow

17/9/2026

Barn Swallow

17/9/2026

Cliff Swallow

37/9/2026

European Starling

67/9/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

27/9/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Check rocky shorelines and jetties at low tide for shorebirds.

  2. 2

    Scan offshore waters with a spotting scope for seabirds and waterfowl.

  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 - Swim Beach for birding?
The best months to visit Chatfield State Park - Swim Beach for birding are June-October. The best seasons are Summer and Fall.
What birds can I see at Chatfield State Park - Swim Beach?
Notable species at Chatfield State Park - Swim Beach include Cackling Goose, Canada Goose, Gadwall, American Coot, Ring-billed Gull. The area supports coastal habitats.
How difficult is birding at Chatfield State Park - Swim Beach?
Birding at Chatfield State Park - Swim Beach 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 - Swim Beach?
Chatfield State Park - Swim Beach offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails, Visitor Center.