a couple of hummingbirds sitting on top of a tree branch

Paton Center for Hummingbirds (Patons' Yard)

Arizona · Southwest

Habitat
DesertChaparral
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

October-May

Entrance Fee

Free (donations appreciated)

Hours

Open daily, sunrise to sunset

About This Location

Paton Center for Hummingbirds (Patons' Yard) is a productive birding destination in Arizona, with 261 species recorded on eBird. This desert and chaparral habitat attracts Eurasian Collared-Dove, White-winged Dove, and Mourning Dove among many others. The unique desert and riparian habitats support specialty species alongside wintering and migrating birds.

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

Lark Bunting

Calamospiza melanocorys

7/20/2026Las Cienegas NCA--South Entrance (Santa Cruz Co.)1 observed

Black-chinned x Anna's Hummingbird (hybrid)

Archilochus alexandri x Calypte anna

7/20/2026Arizona Birding Guides feeders--Visitors Welcome1 observed

Thick-billed Kingbird

Tyrannus crassirostris

7/20/2026Adobe Canyon to Bathtub Tank2 observed

Dusky-capped Flycatcher

Myiarchus tuberculifer

7/20/2026Adobe Canyon to Bathtub Tank1 observed

Western Grebe

Aechmophorus occidentalis

7/20/2026Patagonia Lake dam/spillway area1 observed

Chihuahuan Raven

Corvus cryptoleucus

7/20/2026Harshaw Creek Road1 observed

American Robin

Turdus migratorius

7/20/2026Florida Wash--Corral at Jct FR488&62A1 observed

Blue-throated Mountain-gem

Lampornis clemenciae

7/19/2026Madera Canyon--Madera Kubo B&B1 observed

Broad-billed x Berylline Hummingbird (hybrid)

Cynanthus latirostris x Saucerottia beryllina

7/19/2026Madera Canyon--Madera Kubo B&B1 observed

Crested Caracara

Caracara plancus

7/19/2026Florida Wash at Madera Canyon Rd1 observed

Violet-crowned Hummingbird

Ramosomyia violiceps

7/19/2026Market House1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Gambel's Quail

87/20/2026

Inca Dove

37/20/2026

Common Ground Dove

37/20/2026

White-winged Dove

127/20/2026

Yellow-billed Cuckoo

17/20/2026

Black-chinned Hummingbird

47/20/2026

Broad-billed Hummingbird

177/20/2026

Violet-crowned Hummingbird

27/20/2026

Turkey Vulture

27/20/2026

Gila Woodpecker

57/20/2026

Vermilion Flycatcher

17/20/2026

Dusky-capped Flycatcher

17/20/2026

Brown-crested Flycatcher

27/20/2026

Cassin's Kingbird

27/20/2026

Thick-billed Kingbird

27/20/2026

Bell's Vireo

17/20/2026

Common Raven

27/20/2026

Barn Swallow

67/20/2026

White-breasted Nuthatch

17/20/2026

Bewick's Wren

17/20/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Start birding at dawn when desert birds are most active before the heat.

  2. 2

    Check around water sources, which concentrate desert species.

  3. 3

    Carry extra water and sun protection; mornings are the prime birding window.

  4. 4

    Check eBird hotspot data before visiting to see recent sightings and what species are being reported.

  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 Paton Center for Hummingbirds (Patons' Yard) for birding?
The best months to visit Paton Center for Hummingbirds (Patons' Yard) for birding are October-May. The best seasons are Fall and Winter and Spring.
What birds can I see at Paton Center for Hummingbirds (Patons' Yard)?
Notable species at Paton Center for Hummingbirds (Patons' Yard) include Eurasian Collared-Dove, White-winged Dove, Mourning Dove, Anna's Hummingbird, Broad-billed Hummingbird, Acorn Woodpecker, Gila Woodpecker, Vermilion Flycatcher, House Sparrow, House Finch, Lesser Goldfinch, Rivoli's Hummingbird. The area supports desert, chaparral habitats.
How difficult is birding at Paton Center for Hummingbirds (Patons' Yard)?
Birding at Paton Center for Hummingbirds (Patons' Yard) is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
Is there an entrance fee at Paton Center for Hummingbirds (Patons' Yard)?
The entrance fee at Paton Center for Hummingbirds (Patons' Yard) is Free (donations appreciated). Hours: Open daily, sunrise to sunset.
What amenities are available at Paton Center for Hummingbirds (Patons' Yard)?
Paton Center for Hummingbirds (Patons' Yard) offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.