I had been lethargic and uninspired throughout December, but decided on Monday to visit Occoquan Bay National Wildlife Refuge to try to find some birds before the end of the year. As I walked along one of the trails, I spotted a small bird in the trees and tracked it as it moved about. I was not sure what it was, became a little excited when I thought I spotted a bit of yellow.
There are not many colorful birds in our area during the winter months, so I patiently kept tracking this bird. When I captured the first image below, I convinced myself that I would see traces of yellow in the breast of the bird. Eventually the bird turned and faced the opposite direction and I got a good look at the bright yellow patch on its rump—it was a Yellow-rumped Warbler (Setophaga coronata), one of very few warbler species that I might see during the winter months.
It was a nice treat for me at the end of the year. Happy New Years to you all and best wishes for a healthy and happy 2025.
© Michael Q. Powell. All rights reserved.
Mike Powell 
Lovely photo to end the year. Happy New Year Mike.
Thanks, Martin. Happy New Year!!!
Wishing for the best of new year 2025!
Happy New year, 2025!
Oh my! Best shot I can recall seeing of the yellow rump! Isn’t that just fabulous. Has the weather got you down? ‘Lethargic’ and ‘uninspired’ aren’t words I’d ever associate with you, Mike. I’m so glad you’ve posted though, and hoping I’ll see more of your photos now I’m back in this space. And I’ll try and come in and catch up on at least some of the posts I’ve missed when away from blog-land. Very happy to be back. Wishing you all the best for a very Happy New Year!
Lovely way to end the year, Mike!Blue Rock HorsesFrederick County, Virginiabluerockhorses.com
Thanks, Mitzy. I totally agree.