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

Acorn Woodpecker (Acorn)

Melanerpes formicivorus

6/3/202685624, Patagonia US-AZ 31.33532, -110.622791 observed

Dusky-capped Flycatcher

Myiarchus tuberculifer

6/3/202685624, Patagonia US-AZ 31.33532, -110.622791 observed

Brown Creeper

Certhia americana

6/3/2026Anza Trail--Tubac1 observed

Lucifer Hummingbird

Calothorax lucifer

6/2/2026Private residence, Sonoita US-AZ (31.6793,-110.6557)1 observed

American Goldfinch

Spinus tristis

6/2/2026273 camino Panama1 observed

Blue-throated Mountain-gem

Lampornis clemenciae

6/2/2026Madera Canyon--Carrie Nation Trail1 observed

Wild Turkey

Meleagris gallopavo

6/2/2026Florida Wash--Corral at Jct FR488&62A1 observed

Black-throated Gray Warbler

Setophaga nigrescens

6/1/2026Paton Center for Hummingbirds (Patons' Yard)1 observed

Coppery-tailed Trogon

Trogon ambiguus

6/1/2026Madera Canyon--Madera Picnic Area1 observed

Abert's Towhee

Melozone aberti

6/1/2026Florida Canyon--lower1 observed

American Goshawk

Astur atricapillus

6/1/2026Madera Canyon--Carrie Nation Trail1 observed

Black-bellied Whistling-Duck

Dendrocygna autumnalis

5/31/2026374 Gull Ct Rio Rico Az.9 observed

Calliope Hummingbird

Selasphorus calliope

5/31/2026Madera Canyon--Chuparosa Inn1 observed

Berylline Hummingbird

Saucerottia beryllina

5/31/2026Madera Canyon--Chuparosa Inn1 observed

Rose-throated Becard

Pachyramphus aglaiae

5/31/2026Paton Center for Hummingbirds (Patons' Yard)1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Gambel's Quail

26/3/2026

Eurasian Collared-Dove

16/3/2026

Inca Dove

26/3/2026

White-winged Dove

106/3/2026

Black-chinned Hummingbird

26/3/2026

Anna's Hummingbird

16/3/2026

Broad-billed Hummingbird

86/3/2026

Violet-crowned Hummingbird

16/3/2026

Turkey Vulture

16/3/2026

Mississippi Kite

16/3/2026

Gray Hawk

16/3/2026

Gila Woodpecker

26/3/2026

Ladder-backed Woodpecker

16/3/2026

Brown-crested Flycatcher

16/3/2026

Thick-billed Kingbird

16/3/2026

Common Raven

26/3/2026

Barn Swallow

46/3/2026

White-breasted Nuthatch

16/3/2026

Bewick's Wren

16/3/2026

Phainopepla

46/3/2026

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.