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

Costa's Hummingbird

Calypte costae

4/15/2026BWP Trailhead Water Feature1 observed

Thick-billed Kingbird

Tyrannus crassirostris

4/15/2026Santa Gertrudis Lane (foot access only)1 observed

Broad-winged Hawk

Buteo platypterus

4/15/2026Ron Morriss Park1 observed

Harris's Hawk

Parabuteo unicinctus

4/15/2026Madera Canyon--Carrie Nation Trail1 observed

Inca Dove

Columbina inca

4/15/2026Madera Canyon--Whitehouse Picnic area1 observed

Broad-billed x Berylline Hummingbird (hybrid)

Cynanthus latirostris x Saucerottia beryllina

4/15/2026Madera Canyon--Santa Rita Lodge1 observed

American Goshawk

Astur atricapillus

4/15/2026Madera Canyon--Santa Rita Lodge1 observed

Five-striped Sparrow

Amphispizopsis quinquestriata

4/15/2026Montosa Canyon--km 1 (culvert area)2 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Gambel's Quail

24/15/2026

Common Ground Dove

14/15/2026

White-winged Dove

154/15/2026

Broad-billed Hummingbird

44/15/2026

Violet-crowned Hummingbird

34/15/2026

Turkey Vulture

34/15/2026

Gray Hawk

14/15/2026

Gila Woodpecker

44/15/2026

Ladder-backed Woodpecker

24/15/2026

Vermilion Flycatcher

14/15/2026

Cassin's Kingbird

14/15/2026

White-breasted Nuthatch

14/15/2026

Curve-billed Thrasher

34/15/2026

House Finch

124/15/2026

Lesser Goldfinch

204/15/2026

White-crowned Sparrow

154/15/2026

Song Sparrow

14/15/2026

Abert's Towhee

24/15/2026

Yellow-rumped Warbler

24/15/2026

Summer Tanager

14/15/2026

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.