Tucson Bird Alliance's Paton Center for Hummingbirds

06/04/2026

Help us catalog fireflies at the Paton Center!

Did you know that there are fireflies in Southeast Arizona?! There are and they need our help.
Join Saff Killingsworth from the The Xerces Society for Invertebrate Conservation for a presentation about Southeast Arizona's amazing fireflies at the Paton Center for Hummingbirds. We'll talk about firefly diversity and biology, their threats, and conservation efforts to protect these special creatures. We'll also conduct a Firefly Atlas survey for the rare and imperiled Southwest springs firefly. Specific instructions will be emailed beforehand. Limited to 12 participants.

Wednesday, June 17, 6:30–8pm
Paton Center Firefly Survey with the Xerces Society
Register for this fun evening event at tucsonbirds.org/volunteer-opp/firefly-survey-with-xerces-society/

06/02/2026

Marcia was a beloved Paton Center Birding Ambassador, and will be missed dearly. She touched so many lives and was always greeting visitors of all ages, while helping spread the joy of hummingbirds.

Last month, Tucson Bird Alliance lost a true force of nature with the passing of Marcia OBara. Marcia was a long-time volunteer in a variety of capacities, from festival trips to pitching in at the Paton Center, but most knew her from her "Birding for every BODY" walks that prioritized accessibility. Chronic lung disease didn't stop her from birding, it only encouraged her to create space for others with mobility or health challenges and disabilities. A space of belonging, joy, and energy that only Marcia could bring.

A native of Niagara Falls, New York, she began enjoying birds in the 1980s, was an active member of Buffalo Audubon, a regular volunteer at the Allegany Nature Pilgrimage, and was no stranger to adventure as she ventured out for her own "Big Year." Most recently, she spent time birding in Big Bend National Park, after which I was blessed to hear her anecdotes.

To staff at Tucson Bird Alliance, Marcia was a friend, an inspiration, a ball of laughs, and a beacon of light. Many of us had a unique connection to her. We're deeply grateful to have worked, laughed, and marveled at the birds with her, and we're dedicated to carrying on her legacy through our Birding for every BODY walks, though she will be a tough act to follow.

We're grateful to our partners at BBirdabilityfor this lovely article in her remembrance​, and encourage you to read more about Marcia's legacy, https://www.birdability.org/blog/remembering-marcia-obara.
--Executive Director Melissa Fratello

05/23/2026

Paton Center feeder ALERT: Out of an abundance of caution we have taken down all seed feeders due to a suspected case of bird eye disease on our grounds. We will keep you updated while we monitor the situation, but these feeders will be down for at least two weeks. Hummingbird feeders are still up and will be cleaned daily. The Paton Center remains open and very birdy! We are very sorry for the inconvenience, and we thank you for understanding. The health of the birds visiting the Paton Center is our utmost concern at this time.

Photo: Violet-crowned Hummingbird by Thomas Heher

05/18/2026

There is always something new to enjoy at the Paton Center for Hummingbirds. As the breeding season begins, tiny hummingbird nests are hidden in plain sight throughout the landscape. These small cup nests are carefully created on slender branches, sheltered twigs, or forked stems, where they blend seamlessly into their surroundings, often mimicking clumps of debris. Many visitors walk right past them without ever noticing.

Hummingbirds are skilled nest builders, often using various components such as plant material, spider silk, lichen, and bits of fluff. The females create a nest no bigger than a walnut shell or golf ball, and often lay two eggs about the size of a jelly bean. Spider silk helps the nest stretch as chicks grow, while lichen camouflages it.

While hummingbird nests may be the tiniest, many other birds are also nesting this time of year. Some build cup-shaped nests in shrubs, others use tree cavities, and some nest right on the ground. Every nest plays an important role in the next generation of birds.

If you are lucky enough to spot a nest, the best thing you can do is admire it from a respectful distance. Avoid getting too close, lingering too long, or touching nearby branches, as disturbances can cause stress or lead parents to leave temporarily. Quiet observation from a distance is the best way to enjoy these special moments.

This nesting season, keep an eye out for the hidden art each bird creates, you never know what incredible wildlife story may be quietly unfolding just a few feet away.
-Alexis Stark, Paton Center Site Manager

05/07/2026

The Paton Center's new site manager reflects on her early months at the Center, sharing her impressions of the Patagonia community, the sense of connection she sees among visitors and volunteers, and the priorities she has set for the site.

05/04/2026

Create Habitat at the Paton Center!
Join the Tucson Bird Alliance restoration team at the Paton Center for Hummingbirds to help enhance and maintain our native habitat. This is a great way to get your hands in the dirt, learn about local plants, and make a real impact for wildlife. Sign up now for our next volunteer event on May 13 at tucsonbirds.org/volunteer

Speaking of plants, desert honeysuckle and mesquite trees are flowering across Patagonia and are attracting happy nectar- and pollen-seeking birds. Now is your chance to see one of the rare "yellow-throated hummingbirds." It's actually a bird covered in pollen! We look forward to your next visit.

04/29/2026

Fun news: we will now be having regular monthly Paton Center bird walks led by docent Wayne Smith—every 4th Saturday! Join us for a relaxing morning featuring short, easy walks (less than a mile total) along trails like the Cuckoo Corridor and Gray Hawk Birding Trail. We’ll also spend some unhurried time enjoying the activity around the bird feeders. The next walk will be May 23, sign up at https://tucsonbirds.org/field-trips/

Shout out to those volunteers who added a fresh coat of paint to the Paton Center house! Thank you to volunteers Wayne Smith, JoAnn Smith and Tony L. for helping with the preparations and taping the entire house. It looks great!
-Alexis Stark, Paton Center Site Manager

04/28/2026

Southeast Arizona Birding Festival registration is now open! 10am MST
https://tucsonbirds.org/festival/
See you in August!

04/25/2026