a body of water surrounded by lots of trees

Cherry Creek State Park

Colorado · Rocky Mountains

Habitat
River/Riparian
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Easy

Best Months

June-October

Entrance Fee

$10 per vehicle

Hours

Open daily, 5 AM - 10 PM

About This Location

Cherry Creek State Park is a productive birding destination in Colorado, with 337 species recorded on eBird. This river/riparian habitat attracts Blue-winged Teal, Northern Shoveler, and Green-winged Teal 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

Cackling Goose

Branta hutchinsii

4/22/2026Westlands Park1 observed

Long-tailed Duck

Clangula hyemalis

4/22/2026South Platte Park--South Platte Reservoir--Southwest Bay area (Jefferson Co)6 observed

Surf Scoter

Melanitta perspicillata

4/22/2026South Platte Park--South Platte Reservoir--Southwest Bay area (Jefferson Co)2 observed

Black Phoebe

Sayornis nigricans

4/22/2026Denver Botanic Gardens Chatfield Farms1 observed

Gray Catbird

Dumetella carolinensis

4/21/2026Main Reservoir (Lakewood)1 observed

Western Kingbird

Tyrannus verticalis

4/21/2026Cherry Creek SP1 observed

Black-chinned Hummingbird

Archilochus alexandri

4/21/2026Hidden River (yard)1 observed

Nashville Warbler

Leiothlypis ruficapilla

4/21/2026Bingham Lake Park1 observed

Neotropic Cormorant

Nannopterum brasilianum

4/21/2026Cherry Creek SP--Prairie Loop1 observed

Orange-crowned Warbler

Leiothlypis celata

4/21/2026Bingham Lake Park1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

54/22/2026

Blue-winged Teal

54/22/2026

Northern Shoveler

184/22/2026

American Wigeon

44/22/2026

Mallard

64/22/2026

American White Pelican

64/22/2026

Black-billed Magpie

14/22/2026

Cinnamon Teal

14/22/2026

Gadwall

34/22/2026

Great Blue Heron

14/22/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

54/22/2026

Green-winged Teal

84/22/2026

Ruddy Duck

154/22/2026

American Coot

184/22/2026

American Avocet

124/22/2026

Eared Grebe

324/22/2026

Western Grebe

804/22/2026

Downy Woodpecker

44/22/2026

Black-capped Chickadee

24/22/2026

American Robin

44/22/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Walk along the water slowly, scanning overhanging branches for kingfishers and warblers.

  2. 2

    Check sandbars and gravel bars for shorebirds and terns.

  3. 3

    Acclimate to altitude before hiking to high-elevation birding spots.

  4. 4

    Purchase your day pass online in advance to avoid wait times at the entrance station.

  5. 5

    Bring quality optics — a good pair of binoculars (8x42 or 10x42) makes all the difference in species identification.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Cherry Creek State Park for birding?
The best months to visit Cherry Creek State Park for birding are June-October. The best seasons are Summer and Fall.
What birds can I see at Cherry Creek State Park?
Notable species at Cherry Creek State Park include Blue-winged Teal, Northern Shoveler, Green-winged Teal, American Coot, Wilson's Snipe, Hooded Merganser, Cinnamon Teal, Gadwall, Mallard, Canada Goose, Ring-necked Duck, Bufflehead. The area supports river/riparian habitats.
How difficult is birding at Cherry Creek State Park?
Birding at Cherry Creek State Park is rated as Easy. The trails and viewing areas are accessible for birders of all experience levels.
Is there an entrance fee at Cherry Creek State Park?
The entrance fee at Cherry Creek State Park is $10 per vehicle. Hours: Open daily, 5 AM - 10 PM.
What amenities are available at Cherry Creek State Park?
Cherry Creek State Park offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails, Visitor Center.