Chatfield State Park - Marina Sandspit

Colorado · Rocky Mountains

Habitat
MountainForest
Best Seasons
SummerFall
Difficulty

Easy

Best Months

June-October

About This Location

Chatfield State Park - Marina Sandspit is a productive birding destination in Colorado, with 265 species recorded on eBird. This mountain and forest habitat attracts Canada Goose, Northern Shoveler, 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

Blue-winged Teal

Spatula discors

3/5/2026Cherry Creek State Park Wetlands1 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

Canada Goose

523/1/2026

Northern Shoveler

13/1/2026

Gadwall

23/1/2026

Mallard

43/1/2026

Ring-billed Gull

33/1/2026

Cooper's Hawk

13/1/2026

American Kestrel

13/1/2026

Black-billed Magpie

23/1/2026

Horned Lark

123/1/2026

White-breasted Nuthatch

13/1/2026

Western Meadowlark

13/1/2026

Hooded Merganser

22/28/2026

Bald Eagle

12/28/2026

Red-tailed Hawk

12/28/2026

Northern Flicker

12/28/2026

Redhead

122/25/2026

Common Goldeneye

152/25/2026

Common Merganser

252/25/2026

Red-breasted Merganser

12/25/2026

American Coot

102/25/2026

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.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Chatfield State Park - Marina Sandspit for birding?
The best months to visit Chatfield State Park - Marina Sandspit for birding are June-October. The best seasons are Summer and Fall.
What birds can I see at Chatfield State Park - Marina Sandspit?
Notable species at Chatfield State Park - Marina Sandspit include Canada Goose, Northern Shoveler, Gadwall, Mallard, Ring-billed Gull. The area supports mountain, forest habitats.
How difficult is birding at Chatfield State Park - Marina Sandspit?
Birding at Chatfield State Park - Marina Sandspit 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 - Marina Sandspit?
Chatfield State Park - Marina Sandspit offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails, Visitor Center.