I spent a little time in the yard on the afternoon of August 30, 2026, and had the opportunity to photograph some of my rarer visitors. I began my vigil shortly after 3pm, what has become prime time for avian visitors. Soon after my arrival I had a visit from an Orange-crowned warbler, the first of at least two visits for the species that afternoon although it would be the only one from which I obtained photos. The Orange-crowned warblers are year-round residents, although not usually regular visitors.

I had at least three Red crossbill visits during the afternoon. The last visit was from a juvenile with hardly any color. I almost missed it as it was intermingled with several sparrows.

A small covey of California quail showed up next. They were shy and I couldn’t get many photos, but after not having seen any in the yard for a couple of months I was glad to have them back. I suspect that the Cooper’s hawk, pictured and chronicled in recent posts, probably has something to do with their scarcity and absence.

Next up in the yard was a Western Warbling vireo, a very rare visitor but one I’ve had once or twice in the past month or so. It hung around the yard for a considerable time, giving me many opportunities for photos when my tracking skills managed to focus on a constantly moving target!

It was beginning to get rather late, but I had two other welcome visitors show up. I consider neither rare, but days can sometimes go by between their appearances.

A Brown creeper…

and a couple of Golden-crowned kinglets.