For the week ending 10/21/2018, conditions were MILDLY DRY. The 7-day cumulative precipitation total of 0.45 inches was 60% below the 9-year (2009-2017) average of 1.13 inches for this date and was in the “mildly dry” range; the 30-day total of 4.67 inches was 29% above the 9-year average of 3.61 inches and in the “near normal” range; and the 90-day total of 13.68 inches was 27% above average and in the “near normal” range. The maximum daily precipitation was 0.16 inches on the 21st. The first frost of the year (28 degrees F on the 16th) brought an end to ET measurements. Temperatures ranged from 60 (on the 14th) to 29 (on the 18th) degrees F, with average Hi/Lo temperatures of 53/34 F. Overall, the average high and low temperatures were 12 and 17 degrees F cooler, respectively, than last week. A flock of at least 18 Mallards, a relatively large concentration for Crescent Lake, was noted during the week. Blue Jays have appeared in the neighborhood in numbers. A handful of Purple Finches have been frequenting the feeders daily this week, a relatively unusual occurrence. A small number of Dark-eyed Juncos made their first appearance of the fall on the 20th. Cooler weather has resulted in markedly increased activity at the bird feeders.