Paton Center for Hummingbirds
Birding Around Las Vegas, Favorite Places Far Away
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Description The Paton family lived in the town of Patagonia and put out hummingbird and seed feeders -- then graciously opened the yard to birders. The Patons have passed, but the Tucson Audubon Society bought the property and maintains it as a hummingbird sanctuary, now called the Paton Center for Hummingbirds. The Paton house is set in a rural residential area with scattered houses, trees, shrubs, and other amenities of rural living. The feeders (nectar, seed, fruit, and suet) on the back of her house, attract a variety of hummingbirds, including Violet-crowned Hummingbirds and Broad-billed Hummingbirds. Trees, ponds, and brush piles in and around the yard provide food and cover to attract birds. Trails on and around the property lead birders into more natural settings. Gates are open sunrise to sunset. It's customary to leave a few bucks in the 'sugar jar' to help pay for filling the feeders. |
 Welcome sign |
Location Ms. Paton lived in Patagonia on Pennsylvania Avenue. From Highway 82 in Patagonia, turn north on 4th Avenue; turn left and drive west on Pennsylvania Avenue. The road dips to cross Sonoita Creek and becomes Blue Heaven Road. Immediately on the left, birders arrive at the Paton house. The parking lot is on the Paton property, but parking spills over onto both sides of the road. The address is 477 Pennsylvania Ave, Patagonia, AZ 85624. Link to Map. Hours Gates generally are open sunrise to sunset. If the driveway gate is open, birders are welcome to visit the area. |
 Lots and lots of hummingbirds |
Fees Ms. Paton graciously allowed birders into her backyard (then a private residence) for free, but there is a donation jar. The tradition continues. For More Information Visit the Tucson Audubon Society. |
 Pennsylvania Ave (view W) |
 Pennsylvania Ave crossing Sonoita Creek Wash (view NW) |
 Pennsylvania Ave across Sonoita Creek Wash (now Blue Heaven Road) |
 Blue Heaven Road at Paton House (view W) |
 On-property and on-street parking |
 Welcome sign |
 Walking into the Paton House area |
 Entrance kiosk with information about the area |
 Paton House map (trails extend off the original property) |
 The Paton House |
 Trail to the backyard runs on the right side of the house |
 Paton's Birder Haven banner |
 Recent bird observations |
 Trail into the backyard and covered seating |
 Welcome station with binoculars and bird books to borrow |
 Birders in the shade |
 Back side of the Paton house with bird feeders |
 Hummingbird feeder with webcam |
 A Bewick's Wren foraging on the back of the Paton house |
 Back side of the Paton house with bird feeders |
 Birders in the shade with main hummingbird feeder station |
 Main hummingbird feeder station |
 Hummingbird feeders |
 Feeder with Broad-billed and Violet-crowned hummingbirds |
 The back of the backyard with feeders and brushpiles |
 Seed feeder with Lazuli Bunting, House Finch, and Chipping Sparrow |
 Suet feeder with Gila and Ladder-backed woodpeckers |
 Lots of Arizona Gray Squirrels and a few Rock Squirrels |
 Another brushpile and woods |
 Water feature |
 Trails lead off the main Paton property |
 Trails behind the main Paton property |
 Birders in the front yard |
 Don't overlook other birds: Northern Cardinal |
 Public toilets in the parking area |
 Lots of vehicles parked along the road during midday |
 Historical photo: Paton House during the Paton times |
 Historical sign: Marion Paton's Birder's Haven |
 Historical photo: Paton backyard during the Paton times |
 Historical photo: Birding Paton's backyard during the Paton times |
Happy birding! All distances, elevations, and other facts are approximate.
; Last updated 240508
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