Date: 15 September 2008
Time: 1425-1443
Location: North of Hatfield Library,
Weather: 85˚F, extremely hot and sunny
As I wandered past the library, I headed toward Springer’s Garden by way of a small path between the Mill and the library. Walking East, I discovered plants with large 3-foot wide leaves that resembled those of the squash family. I also saw a bush about 3-foot tall, sporting plump red berries and dark shiny leaves. A mass of slender reeds and bushes lined the Mill, where I found several western gray squirrels digging intently into the ground. One was placing its entire torso into the ground and digging at a 45˚ slant and plowing forward as it advanced toward me. 
Every so often, it looked up to ensure its safety. A little further east, before the gardening shed, I noticed two 200-foot trees that had a light reddish bark, deeply furrowed trunk, and slender, radiating branches. The leaves were long and slim, creating a feathery appearance. Small 6-inch long birds hopped to and fro between a wooden box and the trees. They pecked at the bark chips surround the bases. The males had a dark black head, while the females were a dullish dark brown. The undersides were white, with the primaries and tail feathers black. The beaks were small and conical. Their shapes and physiques were all sleek and slim. I think they are most likely dark-eyed juncos. 
They took off quickly and the flight was short. I believed their song was a series of low guttural tones following another of sharp “tits.” As I headed out, a squirrel jumped up a tree behind me and looked at me rather curiously.
Every so often, it looked up to ensure its safety. A little further east, before the gardening shed, I noticed two 200-foot trees that had a light reddish bark, deeply furrowed trunk, and slender, radiating branches. The leaves were long and slim, creating a feathery appearance. Small 6-inch long birds hopped to and fro between a wooden box and the trees. They pecked at the bark chips surround the bases. The males had a dark black head, while the females were a dullish dark brown. The undersides were white, with the primaries and tail feathers black. The beaks were small and conical. Their shapes and physiques were all sleek and slim. I think they are most likely dark-eyed juncos. 
They took off quickly and the flight was short. I believed their song was a series of low guttural tones following another of sharp “tits.” As I headed out, a squirrel jumped up a tree behind me and looked at me rather curiously.
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