"Salty Thumb" wrote in message
news:U3p6d.8167$me5.2399@trnddc06...
escapee wrote in
:

http://www.animaux.net/squirrel/

This is directly under the bird feeder, and only sunflower seeds are
in the feeders. We do have squirrels who are on the feeders
constantly and we don't chase them out. Is this squirrel feces?
Gauge the size based on the black oil sunflower seeds.

I would have guessed snake, but maybe squirrel, possum or raccoon.
Assuming you have to climb or fly to get to the feeder, I don't think
it's a bird because I don't think birds (having cloacae instead of
intestines) can excrete the fibrous portions of the shell (must
regurgitate if ingested ... probably didn't ingest). If they could I
would expect it to be watery. If it were a larger bird using gizard
stones to masticate the shells, I would expect the fibers to be less
intact.

You are mistaken about bird digestive physiology. Birds do have intestines.
The cloaca is a multi-purpose structure at the end of the intestinal tract.
Anyway, the ground dwelling birds of the family Phasianidae eat a fibrous
diet including seeds and nuts, and their droppings look very much like those
in the photos. The Phasianidae family includes grouse, ptarmigan, bobwhite,
quail, chukar, partridge, pheasant and wild turkey.
Check these photos of grouse and ptarmigan scat....
http://waynesword.palomar.edu/scat.htm
Another photo of grouse scat ...
http://www.ontariowildflower.com/wil...cat.htm#grouse

Squirrel and rabbit droppings are rounder and more pellet-like.