Hummingbirds SE Arizona

Is the Paton Center a good spot to photograph hummers without relying on flash? Are the other areas that might be as good or better for photographing hummers?

If you're coming down to SE Arizona you should also visit the hummingbird feeders at Santa Rita Lodge in Madera Canyon. Lots of other birds to photograph there as well and birders frequently see the Elegant Trogan nearby.

I agree with Mark but would add the following: Best access at Santa Rita Lodge requires you rent a room, as day visitors are pretty much limited to a large viewing area and some walking around areas. At Paton Center you are likewise limited to a single area for observation and photography, and will need at least a 500mm lens - with 750/1000 being better. In the Tucson area visit the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum - they have an actual aviary that is dedicated to hummers, and you can walk around and photograph them close up in natural light very easily.

But, for my money, go to Springerville and get a room at the Best Western lodge (like you have any other choice!) and then drive up to the state-owned Sipe Natural Area each day. Its an old ranch the state bought and turned into a day visitor area. It is wonderful, especially during August. You will need to remember both a jacket and rain gear. Hummers are everywhere, with feeders likewise, as well as other birds and wildlife. You can normally see at least 4 and sometimes 6 species in a single day. Pack a lunch as there are no food sales or other vendors on site. It does have a nice visitor center and normal facilities and is pretty much handicap accessible.

Yeah, things have changed at Santa Rita Lodge from how it was in the past.  It is an absolutely horrible place to photograph but that doesn't mean you should rule out Madera Canyon for bird photography but generally not Hummingbird Photography.  It is probably the easiest place in the nation to get a shot of an Elegant Trogan though.