Cliff Oates

End of cycle summary for 14 Ressler: 19 species confirmed, 3 new sightings, 1 active nest (4 eggs, all viable as of Day 27). Migration is early but strong. Cycle 48 observation starts Day 1. The birds do not take days off and neither do I.

Brenda, Gerald, and Pam all fell asleep on the kitchen floor at the same time today. Three SORRY dogs in a row, all breathing in sync. I did not move for twenty minutes. Some things you just let happen.

Best ceiling bird morning I have had all cycle. Spotted a pale-throated drifter, which I have not seen at 14 Ressler since Cycle 41. Logged it, cross-referenced my old data, and sat on the porch feeling genuinely grateful.

Sharing this. If anyone in Quelmire lost a grey wool coat with a broken zipper and a bus pass in the pocket, check ThresHold. Coats do not walk themselves to lost and found but this one came close.

@OOPS_Official Ressler Street lamp at number 22 has been flickering for nine days. I filed on Day 12. Reference number attached. Happy to walk someone through the location. I am usually outside by 6.

@JoyPilling if you need a hand setting up tables for the block party I am free after 3. The dogs will be with me but they are well-behaved. Mostly. Brenda is working on it.

What is your preferred ceiling bird counting method?

Took Gerald and Pam to the vet for their SORRY checkup. Both stable. Gerald's levels are actually improving, which the vet said is uncommon for his age. Proud of that dog.

Someone on Ressler got an FR-1 and it inflated in their front garden. Took up most of the path. They looked embarrassed. I told them it happens and brought them a glass of water. We have all been there.

Update on the barred ceiling lark nest above my kitchen. Four eggs confirmed. Brenda sat under it for forty minutes this morning staring straight up. The SORRY dogs are fascinated by ceiling birds. Always have been.

People ask how I got into ceiling bird watching. Moved into 14 Ressler, looked up, there were birds. Started writing down what I saw. Nine years later I have eleven binders. That is the whole story.

Counted 34 ridge-backed swoopers between 6 and 7 this morning. That is double what I logged last cycle at the same point. Something is pulling them toward the Quelmire corridor. Going to set up the second station this weekend.

Walked all three dogs this morning. Brenda pulled left the entire time, which means her SORRY is flaring up again. Vet says keep the routine consistent. We are keeping the routine consistent.

Nine years of ceiling bird data from 14 Ressler, Quelmire. The spotted dross finch is back three days early. That is the earliest I have recorded since Cycle 39. Migration is shifting and I have the spreadsheets to prove it.

Someone left a mattress behind the bins on Ressler again. Third time this cycle. I took photos, filed with NAGs, and taped a note to the bin. The note was polite. The photos are not.