October 20, 2025, seemed like a good day for bird photography so I opted to spend some time in the yard. The madrona trees are full of ripe berries, maybe more than I’ve seen in prior years. There were many birds in the yard so after an early morning doctor visit I filled the bird feeders and situated myself in the yard with my camera equipment. The day was significant in the number of unusual or difficult to photograph birds that visited the yard during the day.

Early on my attention was drawn to a bird in the madrone tree and when I could get a clear view of it, I realized it was a Hermit thrush, a rarity as far as my yard photography is concerned. I managed to get several photos of it. 

Yellow-rumped warblers, all seemingly females or juveniles, were in the yard almost constantly.  

At this point I can only confirm a single female Varied thrush visiting the yard…

and a single male Varied thrush.

At least three juvenile Cedar waxwings were enjoying the madrona berries.

This male Anna’s hummingbird was accessing what is left of salvia blossoms.

This Golden-crowned kinglet was searching for insects among the madrona berries.

I photographed this Ruby-crowned kinglet as it accessed the watercourse.