First of year, seen and heard, Purple Finches, a male and female at my back feeders--perhaps they will breed here again this year.
I have 1-3 Band-tailed Pigeons making their rounds to my feeders daily now.
Heard, but did not see (yet) Black-headed Grosbeaks(BHGR). Actually, I think that I saw a female BHGR at a feeder, but didn't have my binocs with me, so just guessing.
I also saw one of the yard's color-banded chickadees (banded 10/7/12) chowing-down more than it could eat, so I watched it fly into one of the nest boxes. I didn't know that one was being used! Of course, it is NOT the one with a camera inside. Sigh...

While I was resting after mowing my small, but tall, spot of lawn, I chanced to see three adult Bald Eagles circling above my house (I live a wooded-ravine-away from the north end of Lake Washington). Judging by size, there were two females, and one much smaller male, who at one point was trying to bond with one of the females (talons lowered, circling with one of the females, both vocalizing). Always amazing to see. Then they drifted further eastward and all trees blocked my view...

Also, to complete the birds sighted, Hairy Woodpecker on suet--flew away before I could see the back of his head; three plus Spotted Towhees--one of which is a banded female; two Bushtits (haven't found a nest yet); two plus Oregon Juncos--they breed in my yard; a Steller's Jay; two plus Song Sparrows; a Bewick's wren; heard only Wilson's Warbler (although I saw a male in breeding plumage last weekend--about three feet from me). I heard Yellow-rumped Warblers, and I think that I heard Brown Creepers, but didn't have time to go look.

Oh, and about 12 years ago, I bought a Chilian Firebush from the Arborium, and it has been blooming for the last two years, and several times this weekend, I have seen a female Rufus Hummingbird drinking its nectar. I first started looking for it because I heard that distinctive Rufus wing-sound (think kid's motor-boat sound). So I will be watching that "tree" from now on. Maybe I will see a male Rufus. Hope springs eternal...

Christine Southwick
N Seatle/Shoreline
clsouthwick at q.com