Raccoon Tracks

Observer: Eloise Bacher

Date: 25 September, 2008

Time: 1520- 1540

Place: Botanical Garden, near the back.

Weather: Sunny, but chilly in the shade.

There are raccoon tracks in the mud near the back of the Botanical Garden. Irregular gait, looks like two fore prints next to each other in the clearest set. The others are more difficult, just a few toes and a hint of a heel pad. They look fairly recent, possibly this morning. The mud has cracked a little bit, but is still quite soft, and the edges of the tracks are slightly worn down, but nothing major. There is also a domestic dog track right next to the main set. Was it here before or after the raccoon?

Birds and Food Gathering

Observer: Eloise Bacher

Date: 20 September, 2008

Time: 1452-1509

Location: Mill Stream/Botanical Garden

Weather: Cloudy, no breeze.

I'm sitting on one of the large cut pieces of tree right near the bridge that leads to East Side. It's pretty secluded here; I haven't seen anyone come through yet. It also feels a little more natural, like this part of the Mill Stream would be this way even if campus wasn't here. There are a couple female Mallards wandering around a ways away, poking their beaks into the dirt and munching on something. Across the stream I can see a squirrel digging in the dirt as well, and a Scrub Jay that has something in hir beak. Looks like the animals are settling in for fall/winter. Does this mean actual fall weather is going to start soon? The Scrub Jay looks at me sideways and flys off with hir food. The ducks have wandered further away, and the squirrel continues digging frantically, but in a different place.

*Photo courtesy of http://buildyourownbirdhouseplans.com/images/Scrub%20Jay%20with%20prize%20by%20WIlliam%20G.%20Mancebo.jpg