The Paton Center for Hummingbirds

Love this space! Second time going here and it was just as magical in the winter when everything is dry and mostly barren to the time I went there in the spring last year when it was lush and greener. This habitat attracts several beautiful birds including several species of hummingbirds. They have several guidebooks for reference and a couple binoculars to borrow... but do plan to bring your own binoculars for the best experience! There are seats/ benches, walking paths, bird feeders, and little fountains/ ponds. There was someone from the Audubon society there that provided some education and help with bird identification. This is such a special place and if you are in southern Arizona, heading to Patagonia lake or driving thru in general- I would highly encourage a trip or detour here.

Got here late before closing and we're very impressed with the number of birds and the gift shop. Will return to see more of the trails.

One of my favorite places in Arizona, and we come here a few times a year, so we can check out all the birds that come through this place.This place was started by a couple from New England, and they opened up their home for birders that wanted to check out birds.I am an avid birder, and I've been birding for 5 years now and really enjoy this activity. Birders are also a great group of people that really love to geek out about birds.Every time we are here, we manage to chat with some of the volunteers that work here, and each time, I get so much knowledge about birds!This last time we were here, the volunteer told us about a thick billed kingbird and its partner that were here with building their nest. They had set up a scope pointed right at a naked branch, and we got to see the pair! How exciting! This was also a new species for me! Yea!There are plenty of chairs that are put out on the front lawn, and you can sit and watch birds all day. Tons of different feeders are out here for the birds, but I saw plenty of squirrels also eating from the feeders. There is a suet feeder, and I got to see many nuthatches here, which are one of my favorite birds!There is a port of potty here for your use, but note that the house itself is closed to the public.They have a box filled with bird reference books and binoculars you can borrow.There is also a board set up and dates noted of which birds have frequented recently.It's definitely worth a visit if you enjoy birds, and even if you're not a bird enthusiast, this little sanctuary is quite calming, and the bird songs will make you happy and chipper!

If you are a bird-watching enthusiast this is the best place! There are different birds to look for. But the star of the show are the humming birds. While I was there I spotted a quail and hummingbirds that hovers around the feeders. I I've obsereved photographers with their expensive camera lens taking pictures of birds. There is no enterance fee but there is a donation box to consider while visiting. Morever, it's a very peachful place to sit back and enjoy nature.

Little spot near the larger Patagonia Preserve (same road) that has feeders & fresh fruit for all types of birds to enjoy while being viewed and photographed. It is privately maintained with residents living on site. There are paths that circle the area with benches, chairs to utilize in pursuit of what I like to call a "Lifer". There is one large viewing area with covered seating & benches with access to multiple feeders. There is ample parking & porta potties if needed. I saw access to what looked like a longer trail near the road pass a small pond. There are info boards of sightings and the center. I was able to cross off quite a few "Lifers" from Blue Gosbeak to Ladder-Back WP. Plenty of other enthusiasts to share info and point out rarities. A friendly couple shared that a Mississippi Kite was hanging out at town park (which I was able to see). Well worth a visit or two, three etc... No entrance fee (Donation only) so be sure to drop some funds in the box. My only complaint, wish I lived closer- Virginia is a long roadtrip.

Such a gorgeous hidden gem!! I hope this place doesn't get ruined by the mining industry taken over Patagonia's natural resources. The humming birds are so delicate and magical. They are a lot of fun to watch, how they interact with each other. Definitely a great way to spend a couple hours enjoying beautiful nature.

My favorite bird watching location! I love this place. I always meet the most interesting, kind birders. It was ignited a passion for bird watching in me! I can't wait to come back!

This is a great spot to relax on a little trail and enjoy the beautiful scenery. We saw various types of hummingbirds, butterflies, and bees. The park ranger/bird watcher was very informative. Some of the feeders have been taken down recently due to bear sightings, but they plan to put them back up very soon. Definitely give the hummingbird center a try.

I just re-visited here and thought I should write an updated review since things have changed dramatically. There have been many, many improvements since my last visit. The two-sided covered seating/viewing area is all new and very comfortable. There are brush piles to attract birds, full feeders that many birds seem to enjoy as well as a new water feature. They built a new Butterfly Garden with a small pond and a pathway around it. It's now a wonderful, natural setting for all kinds of Mother Nature's animals. There are not that many Hummingbirds around in the winter but, I'm sure when the weather warms the numbers will increase. If you visit the area, and you enjoy peace and tranquility, do not pass this up.

A wonderful experience for birders and non-birders as well. Tucson Audubon has done a wonderful job expanding and maintaining the property around the Paton house. We were there for a little over and hour and saw 21 species of birds! I love that there are some volunteers there who can answer questions and help with identification.