Archives: Festival Events

Difficulty: Easy (Very short walks from vehicle)

For a different kind of ‘birding’, take a tour of a number of beautiful outdoor tile murals depicting hummingbirds, created by artists of the Pascua Yaqui Tribe. According to Louis D. Valenzuela, an accomplished Yaqui artist, the hummingbird “represents the Yoeme culture. The hummingbird is considered to be a spiritual bird that comes from the ‘Sewa Ania’ Flower World and is a messenger with powerful blessing and protection.” Limited to 9 participants.

Difficulty: Easy (Flat walking trails. Drive time to location approximately 75 minutes.)

The famous Paton Center for Hummingbirds is known for its backyard birds and scenic location dating back to 1973. Wally and Marion Paton first began inviting birders into their yard shortly after moving to Patagonia, and after their passing, the center was acquired by the Tucson Audubon Society. Since then we’ve worked to improve the habitat by removing invasive plants, installing native gardens, and much more. Explore the area with Community Habitat Restoration Coordinator, Ivy Ilkay, and Paton Center Site Manager, Tom Brown, for a first-hand tour of how the center is being re-invigorated by Tucson Bird Alliance. You’re also sure to find Violet-crowned Hummingbirds amidst the array of riparian specialty birds! Limited to 9 participants.

Violet-crowned Hummingbird by Nick Beauregard