Paton Center for Hummingbirds (Patons' Yard)

Arizona · Southwest

Habitat
DesertChaparral
Best Seasons
FallWinterSpring
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

Lawrence's Goldfinch

Spinus lawrencei

3/6/2026The Ice House2 observed

Hooded Oriole

Icterus cucullatus

3/6/2026374 Gull Ct Rio Rico Az.2 observed

Cassin's Sparrow

Peucaea cassinii

3/6/2026Florida Wash at Madera Canyon Rd1 observed

Bell's Vireo (Arizona)

Vireo bellii

3/6/2026Patagonia Lake SP--Birding Trail1 observed

Song Sparrow

Melospiza melodia

3/6/2026Santa Rita Lodge - Madera Canyon1 observed

House Sparrow

Passer domesticus

3/6/2026Santa Rita Lodge - Madera Canyon3 observed

Cassin's Finch

Haemorhous cassinii

3/6/2026Santa Rita Lodge - Madera Canyon1 observed

Inca Dove

Columbina inca

3/6/2026Santa Rita Lodge - Madera Canyon1 observed

Verdin

Auriparus flaviceps

3/6/2026Santa Rita Lodge - Madera Canyon1 observed

Scott's Oriole

Icterus parisorum

3/6/2026Santa Rita Lodge - Madera Canyon1 observed

Gila Woodpecker

Melanerpes uropygialis

3/6/2026Santa Rita Lodge - Madera Canyon1 observed

Eastern Bluebird

Sialia sialis

3/6/2026Sonoita/Patagonia Home3 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Gambel's Quail

43/6/2026

Common Ground Dove

13/6/2026

White-winged Dove

3/6/2026

Mourning Dove

33/6/2026

Broad-billed Hummingbird

63/6/2026

Violet-crowned Hummingbird

13/6/2026

Common Raven

3/6/2026

Bewick's Wren

13/6/2026

Curve-billed Thrasher

13/6/2026

American Robin

3/6/2026

Pine Siskin

23/6/2026

Lesser Goldfinch

3/6/2026

White-crowned Sparrow

3/6/2026

Northern Cardinal

13/6/2026

Ladder-backed Woodpecker

13/6/2026

Vermilion Flycatcher

13/6/2026

Ruby-crowned Kinglet

13/6/2026

White-breasted Nuthatch

13/6/2026

House Finch

13/6/2026

Yellow-rumped Warbler

23/6/2026

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.