paton's hummingbird haven

This is a must do even if you are not into birds. it is 2 minutes off the main street. even in winter the feeders in the garden are covered with hummingbirds and other birds of every colour. we were there in january and it was fab but apparently it is even better in spring. It is literally like sitting in someones back garden - which is what it used to be - but is now owned by the audobon charity. buy a sandwich in town and bring it and sit here and enjoy.

This is a spot not to be missed. Many species of birds visit the extensive feeders here. The onsite volunteers are friendly and helpful.

I am not a real 'Birder", but took some time off riding to go to Paton's Hummingbird Haven. We were told to take binoculars and a bird book so we looked like we knew what we were doing. But you really don't have to because there are so many people there that will help you see the different birds and identify them in a quite and peaceful setting. Really enjoyed the outing.

This is a very nice place to just set and watch the birds. Leave a nice tip---We went in the late afternoon. If you have a telephoto lens bring it.

Tucson Audubon has just taken this birding home site over after years of the place being in limbo. It has always been a great feeder spot for a large variety of SE AZ birds and birders. New plans are in the works for including trails and sprucing the place up again without scaring off the birds. Stay tuned. If you visited the place before 12/2014 be prepared for some changes the next time you visit.

We definitely came at the wrong time of year. It was November, and the majority of birds had flown south already. However, the area was charming and the guide/caretaker was very knowledgable. We will be back in the spring for sure.

Our first visit, and arrived mid-day, not optimum for seeing the birds, yet still saw many, many hummingbirds. This is a very authentic, organic experience. The Patons must have been amazing, generous people. Thanks for preserving their labor of love.

I have just been going through our old pictures saved on disc and I came across a 2005 album of our trip to Patagonia, AZ when we visited Paton's farm to see hummingbirds. Although the place is now called Hummingbird Haven, it's not just for hummingbirds. There were lots of other birds we saw like the lazuli bunting, black throated sparrow, inca dove, curve billed thrasher and of course the hummingbirds, like the violet crowned hummingbird which is not seen in California. The owner of the place, Ms. Marion Paton, died in 2009 but I am happy to learn that the Tucson Audubon society has purchased the facility and is now running the haven for other birders to see and enjoy birdwatching. When we visited the place there was no entrance fee, just a small donation to help pay for the sugar. But now I would not mind paying to go in and see the birds again.

The Paton family set up a few hummingbird feeders, and made a nice waterscape in their back yard, and soon, they were inviting the public to come and visit. This has been maintained for a number of years, and when the Patons passed on, the heirs allowed it to continue to operate until they needed to sell. At that point, the Tucson Audubon Society organized fundraising to buy the property. This was successful, and now it is maintained by the birding community. There is a caretaker on the premises.In any given summer, a birder can see several different hummingbird species. This was the first place that a Plain-capped Starthroat visited in Arizona, as far as I know. It felt so welcome, it brought friends this year, and they have been seen in several locations. They also usually have Broad-billed, Violet-crowned, and Rufous Hummingbirds. In addition, they feed the other birds seeds, and there are quite a few species that are attracted. Last year, they had a Big Sit and I went, and saw about 15 species late in the day, if I recall correctly, at least one of which was a life bird for me.Plans to improve the property have been made, although it's perfectly fine for us as it is. If you are serious about birding, especially for hummingbirds, this is a definite must-see.

Hey folks,My brother and I were on a six week road trip in October/November 2000 which took us from Jackson, WY down to Nogales and back. It was unusually cold at the time, and I was a bit grouchy until we were down to Tucson where it was finally T-shirt and shorts weather. My brother is a really serious birder while I am only mildly interested and would in no way describe myself as a birder. We saw lots of birds throughout the whole trip, but the biggest treat was when my brother took me to the Patons' hummingbird haven in Patagonia Arizona. Even someone like myself who is not a big birder cannot help but be thrilled to see the sights in the Patons' back yard. To this day, I consider myself quite fortunate to have met Wally and Marion Paton and be welcomed into their backyard birding paradise.We parked in their visitor parking area maybe 50 yards from the house and were greeted with a very friendly sign that welcomed all to come to the backyard, have a seat, and enjoy the plethora of birds that filled the air not far above your head. There were plenty of chairs, benches, and a bench swing or two for folks to sit and enjoy themselves. The Patons had a dozen or more hummingbird feeders as well as maybe another dozen feeders for other birds. I suspect most of the serious birders spent standing and walking around while the lesser bird minded folks like myself were sitting on the chairs and benches. I sat on a swing alongside another fellow who was enjoying the birds flying back and forth, but neither of us were using the binoculars nor the bird books we both had in our hands. He said his wife was a serious birder and pointed her out to me as she was talking very animatedly to another fellow not far away from us. I told him the fellow with whom his wife was speaking was my brother, and we both had to laugh.In addition to the many species of wild birds to be seen there, I also enjoyed watching the many different chickens which also ran loose in the backyard.I understand the Patons have both died five or so years ago, and the property was donated and is now run by the Tucson Audubon’s Paton Center for Hummingbirds in 2014. From other reviews written recently, it would seem the center is once again being run quite well and is again a great place to visit.Best wishes,Dave Wile

Thanks to the Tucson Audubon Society and American Bird Conservancy for preserving the historic birding landmark. Sit back in a lawn chair (provided) and enjoy the colorful show!

Now owned by Tucson Audubon Society, this former private residence is an amazing place to see a huge variety of birds close up. There is a shade tent and there are chairs set up - even a supply of reference books. Each time I go, I log a "lifer" or two. Be sure to contribute to the "sugar fund."

Don't miss Paton's Bird Haven when you visit Patagonia AZ. Go early 7-8 AM The birds are VERY active then. They put lots of bird feeders out and the birds are so easy to see. I saw 5 species of hummers and countless #'s of other great birds. It's wonderful that the Paton's home was saved for bird watchers. BE SURE and leave a donation in the box. Bird food is not cheap and they use tons.

Thank you, thank you, to those who make this birding attraction possible!!! Met friendly and helpful fellow birders and added the violet-crowned hummingbird to my life list. Excellent experience!! Love the tent and benches and the bin of bird guides for visitors to use. Can't say "thank you" enough!!

Great fun to follow the action of the birds at the feeding stations. Paton's was recently purchased by the Tucson Audubon Society and is being nicely maintained. This is a must stop for birders visiting the Patagonia area.