Bird-watching is a fun hobby with so many benefits. I love that it doesn't take too much knowledge to get into - even if you aren't able to immediately identify all our feathered friends by sight, the thrill of seeing a new species is so exciting! You also don't need a lot of equipment. While a pair of quality binoculars is helpful, it's not necessary, and you can certainly have a great time even just heading out with nothing at all. If you're looking to try out bird-watching in Colorado, it doesn't get much better than a visit to the Denver Audubon Kingery Nature Center. This delightful little area has been designated as an Important Bird Area by the National Audubon Society thanks to the 345 birds that live or migrate through here. It's tucked away in Littleton and it's one of the best spots for observing nature near Denver, no matter what time of year it is.

Chatfield State Park spans nearly 4,000 acres around Chatfield Reservoir, a sprawling lake surrounded by mountains and natural beauty. This is a stunning park, and there's a lot to enjoy here. The variety of landscapes means there are plenty of great hikes waiting to be explored. Whether you're looking to spend time on the water or prefer to trek through the woods, there's something for everyone at this magnificent park.

One thing you'll find in spades is wildlife. This state park is an important refuge for an array of species, and it's not uncommon to spot deer, coyote, elk, or snapping turtles. Some of the most-seen critters here, though, are birds. Nearly 350 different bird species reside here at some point during the year, and the best place to see them is the 8.6-acre section known as the Kingery Nature Center. This region of the park is maintained by the Denver Audubon Society and contains a nature center, gift shop, and native plant garden. The area around the nature center is filled with bird feeders, so it's a great place to relax if you're looking to spot some feathered friends.

This section of the park also contains several miles of trails. These trails are open year-round and most are considered pretty easy, with flat ground. Each offers up beautiful scenery and a chance to witness birds in their natural habitats.

Visit during May and you can check out the center's bird banding station, where scientist capture wild birds and band them for tracking. It's a fascinating outing for kids and adults alike, and not something that many get a chance to witness.

For more information about the Denver Audubon Kingery Nature Center, check out the Denver Audubon Society website. If you'd like to learn more about the hiking opportunities here (or anywhere else in the world), check out our friends at AllTrails.