I saw my first three of the season as I paddled my sea kayak at dusk today
in Ballard, just south of Shilshole Marina. I thought I heard them as I
unloaded my car, then I paddled closer and got a good look (and earful) at
an adult male, a sub-adult male, and a third that was unidentified. All the
martin boxes are closed except for one that currently has starlings. I hope
to get some gourds back up at the next suitable low tide, although I
wouldn't expect to see nest building for another month or so. Last year the
site had 11 successful nests, all in gourds.

Kevin Li
Ballard, USA