Keeping my eyes peeled for a latest departure date, a Selasphorus
hummingbird, presumably Rufous, is currently at my feeders here in Bellevue
(Eastgate south of 90) this afternoon. Before this 'new' departing arrival, my
last Rufous sighting this season was September 9. Surprised also to find a
dead Vagrant Shrew (Sorex vagrans) yesterday, a new yard species though
probably not unusual since secretive tiny little shrews aren't exactly
something one typically sees anyway under normal circumstances. Thought it was a
fallen leaf at first glance until I went to pick it up 24 hours later.

Richard Rowlett
Bellevue (Eastgate), WA