Tucson Audubon's Paton Hummingbird (and White-tailed Deer) Haven

Kendall Kroesen, Urban Program Manager

Violet-crowned Hummingbird at the Patons' on 2/28/2014

As we speak the Paton property in Pagagonia, Arizona, is in the process of being transferred to Tucson Audubon's ownership. This is big news and was covered in the local Tucson paper (Arizona Daily Star, December 13, 2013) as well as in the current issue of Audubon Magazine (March-April 2014).

Apart from the media it's big news for birders because after the passing of Wally and Marion Paton--and a period of uncertainty--the property will now remain a great birding site for the foreseeable future.

I was there today and a wide variety of birds was being seen, including stunning Violet-crowned and Broad-billed hummingbirds.

White-breasted Nuthatch at the feeders, 2/28/2014

Birders may not see big changes in the immediate future but Tucson Audubon gradually will make improvements to the house, the landscaping and the back yard. We hope it will be possible to use the property for other things as well, like environmental education, while never interrupting the birding that is the main focus of visitors.

There will be management challenges, and we will need your help meeting those challenges. You can do this by leaving money in the sugar fund when you visit and by donating online.

White-tailed deer at the feeders today

One management issue I witnessed today was a question of how to feed the birds without feeding the white-tailed deer! They easily hop the fence in the back yard and make themselves right at home.

It was fun seeing them up close but they probably can gobble up a lot of seed in a short period of time.

If you have thoughts about the management of the property let us know. New things you'd like to see? Things we should do differently? What should we do first?

Comment on this blog post or contact me (520-209-1806) and I will bring your ideas to the management team for the property.

White-tailed deer leaves no feeder untested, 2/28/2014

Please visit Tucson Audubon's Paton Hummingbird Haven and enjoy the birding (and the deering).