Chatfield State Park - Swim Beach

Colorado · Rocky Mountains

EasyView on eBird

Habitat

Coastal

Best Seasons

Summer Fall

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

Cackling Goose Canada Goose Gadwall American Coot Ring-billed Gull

Live Bird Data

Notable Sightings

Rare or unusual species spotted nearby in the last 14 days

Western Bluebird

Sialia mexicana

3/6/2026Bear Creek Lake Park--Pelican Point5 observed

Blue-winged Teal

Spatula discors

3/6/2026Cherry Creek SP--Cottonwood Creek Wetlands2 observed

Long-tailed Duck

Clangula hyemalis

3/5/2026Rueter-Hess Reservoir (restricted access)3 observed

Mexican Duck

Anas diazi

3/5/2026Cherry Creek Trail--E-470 through Cottonwood Parks, East & West1 observed

Pacific Wren

Troglodytes pacificus

3/5/2026Tucker Gulch1 observed

Dunlin

Calidris alpina

3/4/2026Cherry Creek SP--Pelican Point area1 observed

Surf Scoter

Melanitta perspicillata

3/4/2026Back Side Of Bank2 observed

Red-necked Grebe

Podiceps grisegena

3/4/2026Back Side Of Bank1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Cackling Goose

23/1/2026

Canada Goose

703/1/2026

Gadwall

53/1/2026

American Coot

783/1/2026

Ring-billed Gull

793/1/2026

American Herring Gull

23/1/2026

Northern Flicker

13/1/2026

Black-billed Magpie

13/1/2026

American Crow

43/1/2026

Horned Lark

33/1/2026

European Starling

33/1/2026

Birding Tips

1
Check rocky shorelines and jetties at low tide for shorebirds.
2
Scan offshore waters with a spotting scope for seabirds and waterfowl.
3
Acclimate to altitude before hiking to high-elevation birding spots.

Amenities

Parking

Restrooms

Trails

Visitor Center

More in Colorado

Rocky Mountain National Park

Colorado alpine park with accessible tundra birding and elevation-diverse habitats.

Pawnee National Grassland

Colorado shortgrass prairie with grassland specialists and nesting raptors at Pawnee Buttes.

Adobe Creek Reservoir (Blue Lake) - Bent Co

Lake birding hotspot in Colorado with 227 recorded species.

Colorado Birding Guide

Complete guide to birding in Colorado →

Birding Guides

How to Identify Birds Like an Expert: The Four Keys to Field Identification

11 min read

The Ultimate Beginner's Guide to Birdwatching: Gear, Identification, and Etiquette

8 min read

How to Start and Maintain a Birding Life List: A Beginner's Guide

9 min read

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.