Chatfield State Park - Audubon Center & Trails

Colorado · Rocky Mountains

Habitat
MountainForest
Best Seasons
SummerFall
Difficulty

Easy

Best Months

June-October

Entrance Fee

$10 daily vehicle pass

Hours

Open daily, 5:00 AM - 10:00 PM

About This Location

Chatfield State Park - Audubon Center & Trails is a productive birding destination in Colorado, with 280 species recorded on eBird. This mountain and forest habitat attracts Canada Goose, Mallard, and Hooded Merganser 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

Western Bluebird

Sialia mexicana

3/6/2026Bear Creek Lake Park3 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

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

Canada Goose

23/5/2026

American Wigeon

23/5/2026

Mallard

23/5/2026

Common Goldeneye

23/5/2026

Hooded Merganser

23/5/2026

Belted Kingfisher

23/5/2026

Northern Flicker

33/5/2026

Black-capped Chickadee

33/5/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

13/5/2026

Red-tailed Hawk

23/4/2026

Downy Woodpecker

23/4/2026

Bushtit

153/4/2026

White-breasted Nuthatch

23/4/2026

Marsh Wren

13/4/2026

American Robin

33/4/2026

Pine Siskin

43/4/2026

American Tree Sparrow

13/4/2026

Dark-eyed Junco

13/4/2026

White-crowned Sparrow

93/4/2026

Song Sparrow

33/4/2026

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.

  4. 4

    Consider purchasing an annual parks pass if you plan to visit multiple times.

  5. 5

    Scan the canopy edges at dawn for migrating warblers and other songbirds during spring and fall.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Chatfield State Park - Audubon Center & Trails for birding?
The best months to visit Chatfield State Park - Audubon Center & Trails for birding are June-October. The best seasons are Summer and Fall.
What birds can I see at Chatfield State Park - Audubon Center & Trails?
Notable species at Chatfield State Park - Audubon Center & Trails include Canada Goose, Mallard, Hooded Merganser, Red-tailed Hawk, Downy Woodpecker, Ring-necked Duck, Bufflehead, Common Goldeneye, Red-winged Blackbird, Eurasian Collared-Dove, Greater White-fronted Goose, Northern Shoveler. The area supports mountain, forest habitats.
How difficult is birding at Chatfield State Park - Audubon Center & Trails?
Birding at Chatfield State Park - Audubon Center & Trails is rated as Easy. The trails and viewing areas are accessible for birders of all experience levels.
Is there an entrance fee at Chatfield State Park - Audubon Center & Trails?
The entrance fee at Chatfield State Park - Audubon Center & Trails is $10 daily vehicle pass. Hours: Open daily, 5:00 AM - 10:00 PM.
What amenities are available at Chatfield State Park - Audubon Center & Trails?
Chatfield State Park - Audubon Center & Trails offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails, Visitor Center.