The Paton Center for Hummingbirds is a popular tourist attraction known for its abundance of hummingbirds. Many visitors wonder what time the center opens so they can plan their trip accordingly. In this article, we will provide the opening hours for the Paton Center and give an overview of what visitors can expect when they arrive.
What are the daily opening hours?
The Paton Center for Hummingbirds is open every day from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM. This gives visitors a full 8 hours to enjoy the center and see the hummingbirds in action. The center is open every day of the year except for major holidays such as Christmas Day and Thanksgiving Day.
Why are these the opening hours?
The Paton Center chose its opening hours based on when hummingbirds are most active during the day. Hummingbirds are early risers and do a lot of feeding in the mornings. By opening at 8:00 AM, visitors can see the hummingbirds right away when they are very lively and energetic. The 4:00 PM closing time allows visitors to see hummingbird activity throughout the afternoon as well.
What happens before the center opens?
Although visitors are not allowed in before 8:00 AM, there is still activity happening behind the scenes to get ready for the day. The staff arrives early in the morning to unlock the facility, take care of the plants, restock the gift shop, and make sure the nectar feeders are full for the hummingbirds. Volunteers may also arrive early to help with preparation tasks.
Morning preparation tasks include:
- Unlocking doors and disarming security system
- Checking nectar levels in feeders and restocking as needed
- Doing a walkthrough to assess cleanliness and identify any maintenance needs
- Setting up point-of-sale stations in gift shop
- Making a fresh batch of nectar forfeeders
- Wiping down surfaces and cleaning glass windows
The staff aims to have everything ready to go by 8:00 AM so the doors can open right on time.
What does the center look like when it first opens?
When those doors first open at 8:00 AM, visitors will be greeted with a lush and vibrant tropical garden. The trees and flowering plants provide the perfect habitat for hummingbirds. Here is what you will see when you first arrive:
- A welcome center with information brochures and displays about hummingbirds
- Gift shop selling souvenirs, apparel, bird feeders, and more
- Lush gardens filled with bright colored flowers that attract hummingbirds
- Dozens of hummingbird feeders hanging throughout the property
- Benches and small tables for visitors to sit and watch the birds
- Gravel pathways meandering through the gardens
What’s the morning atmosphere like?
The morning atmosphere is absolutely magical. The air is fresh and it’s so peaceful listening to the chirping birds and the gurgling water fountains around the garden. The morning sunlight makes the dew on the colorful flowers glisten. It’s an immersive nature experience right from the moment you arrive.
When are the hummingbirds most active?
Hummingbirds are most active in the early morning and late afternoon hours. Here is more detail on their daily schedule:
Morning Activity
The hummingbirds wake up ready to eat. In the mornings you will see high energy activity as the birds zoom from feeder to feeder fueling up for the day. The birds are very territorial in the mornings and chasing each other around the feeders is common.
Mid-Day Lull
Hummingbird activity slows down around mid-day when the sun is at its peak. The birds will rest in the shade of trees and bushes to avoid the heat. They are still around but much less visible during these hours.
Late Afternoon Activity
As the temperature starts to cool again late in the afternoon, the hummingbirds become more active again. They start fueling up once more at the feeders in preparation for the night. Late afternoon is another prime time to see energetic hummingbirds.
Time of Day | Hummingbird Activity Level |
---|---|
Early Morning | High |
Mid-Day | Low |
Late Afternoon | High |
What’s the best time of year to visit?
The Paton Center for Hummingbirds has steady activity all year round. However, the very best time to see hummingbirds is during spring and fall when populations are highest as birds migrate through the area.
Spring Migration (March – May)
Spring brings the return of hummingbirds that spent the winter in Mexico or Central America. The numbers rapidly ramp up during this time with hundreds of additional birds passing through the center during migration. With more hummingbirds competing for food, the activity at feeders is frenzied.
Summer (June – August)
Summer is the nesting season. There will be plenty of hummingbirds at the center but the behavior changes as birds focus on raising chicks. You’ll see more buzzing around flowers and less frantic action at the feeders.
Fall Migration (September – November)
The fall migration brings another surge of hummingbird populations as they pass through the center on the way south for winter. By late September, the numbers reach their peak with thousands of hummingbirds at the center. Don’t miss the fall migration!
Winter (December – February)
While hummingbird activity does slow down in the winter, there are still consistent populations at the Paton Center all season long. Hundreds of Anna’s and Rufous hummingbirds make the center their permanent winter home.
Season | Activity Level |
---|---|
Spring Migration | High |
Summer | Moderate |
Fall Migration | Very High |
Winter | Moderate |
What types of hummingbirds can be seen?
One of the most exciting aspects of the Paton Center is the diversity of hummingbird species. Here are some of the types you may spot during a visit:
Anna’s Hummingbird
With their iridescent emerald throats and rosy crown, Anna’s are one of the most common species year-round. They are aggressive and territorial birds.
Broad-billed Hummingbird
These medium-sized hummers have a distinctive broad red bill and high-pitched call. They are migratory visitors in summer.
Black-chinned Hummingbird
Tiny and compact, these hummers are identified by their purple neck patch and social nature. They visit during summer.
Rufous Hummingbird
One of the feistiest species, Rufous have beautiful rust-colored plumage on their backs and bright orange throats. They overwinter at the center.
Calliope Hummingbird
At just 3 inches long, Calliope are the smallest species in the U.S. Look for their magenta throat patches and streaked plumage.
Rare Species
On very rare occasions, vagrant species like the Berylline Hummingbird may make an appearance at the Paton Center!
Hummingbird | Physical Description | Seasons Seen |
---|---|---|
Anna’s | Emerald green throat, rosy crown | Year-round |
Broad-billed | Red bill, high-pitched call | Summer only |
Black-chinned | Purple neck, tiny | Summer only |
Rufous | Rusty orange back, bright orange throat | Winter only |
Calliope | Tiny, magenta throat patches | Summer only |
What are some tips for visitors?
To make the most of your visit to the Paton Center, keep these tips in mind:
Arrive Early
Get here first thing when the center opens at 8:00 AM to see the most bird activity. Morning is prime time for energetic hummingbirds buzzing around the feeders.
Move Slowly
Walk slowly and quietly around the gardens. Sudden movements or loud noises will startle the hummingbirds away.
Have Your Camera Ready
The hummingbirds move very fast. Have your camera out and ready to capture pictures when they briefly hover at the feeders.
Come Prepared for Sun
Wear sunscreen and a hat for protection. There is limited shade in some areas of the garden.
Pack Binoculars
Bring a pair of binoculars and get even closer views of the tiny birds in action.
Be Patient
Sometimes the birds come in waves. If it seems quiet, stick around a bit longer and another flock may arrive.
Visitor Tip | Reason |
---|---|
Arrive early morning | Prime bird activity time |
Move slowly and quietly | Avoid startling birds |
Have camera ready | Hummers move quickly |
Wear sun protection | Limited shade |
Bring binoculars | Get close-up view |
Be patient | Birds come and go in waves |
Conclusion
For hummingbird enthusiasts, the Paton Center for Hummingbirds is a must-visit Arizona attraction. With multiple species zooming around the gardens, it’s a photographer’s dream location to capture these beautiful birds. The center’s 8am to 4pm opening hours allow visitors to see the hummingbirds at their most active in the mornings and late afternoons throughout the year. Following the tips above will ensure an enjoyable and rewarding experience at this one-of-a-kind hummingbird hotspot.