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

Black Phoebe

Sayornis nigricans

5/31/2026South Platte Park--Carson Nature Center5 observed

Mountain Bluebird

Sialia currucoides

5/31/2026CommonGround (Westerly) Wetlands2 observed

Long-billed Dowitcher

Limnodromus scolopaceus

5/31/2026CommonGround (Westerly) Wetlands4 observed

Calliope Hummingbird

Selasphorus calliope

5/31/20265440 S Perry St, Littleton US-CO (39.6185,-105.0431)1 observed

Veery

Catharus fuscescens

5/31/2026Waterton Canyon--upstream from overhead pipes1 observed

Bonaparte's Gull

Chroicocephalus philadelphia

5/31/2026Cherry Creek SP--Prairie Loop1 observed

Sharp-shinned Hawk

Accipiter striatus

5/31/2026Cherry Creek SP--Prairie Loop1 observed

Neotropic Cormorant

Nannopterum brasilianum

5/31/2026Cherry Creek SP--Marina & nearby Dam Trail1 observed

White-rumped Sandpiper

Calidris fuscicollis

5/31/2026Cherry Creek SP--Pelican Point area2 observed

Western Warbling Vireo

Vireo swainsoni

5/31/2026Cherry Creek State Park, Greenwood Village US-CO 39.63455, -104.863231 observed

Mississippi Kite

Ictinia mississippiensis

5/31/2026Cherry Creek State Park, Greenwood Village US-CO 39.63455, -104.863231 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Common Nighthawk

15/31/2026

Mourning Dove

25/31/2026

Common Poorwill

55/31/2026

White-throated Swift

25/31/2026

Say's Phoebe

15/31/2026

Western Kingbird

25/31/2026

Violet-green Swallow

15/31/2026

Spotted Towhee

255/31/2026

Northern Yellow Warbler

15/31/2026

Mountain Chickadee

5/31/2026

American Robin

15/31/2026

House Finch

25/31/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

15/31/2026

Cinnamon Teal

25/31/2026

Cliff Swallow

5/31/2026

Northern House Wren

15/31/2026

Gadwall

35/31/2026

Mallard

75/31/2026

Hooded Merganser

15/31/2026

Killdeer

65/31/2026

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.