I've also noticed that some of the Anna's coming to my feeder have had a golden hue to the back. I've been meaning to look it up, and the several posts on this topic earlier today have prompted me to do so.

In Hummingbirds of North America, Howell states that adult male upper parts are "golden green to bluish green (brighter and more golden when fresh)." He says essentially the same thing for females and immatures with "upper parts golden green, duller and bluer when worn (mainly summer and fall)."

I'm wondering if the reason we're noticing the golden color is because the lighting is so unusual (for Seattle). All the birds in my yard look exceptionally crisp and fresh from being lit from below by all the snow.

Mike Donahue
Beacon Hill in south Seattle