Question

Objects on my deck  

Birch tree???   I find these objects, see image, on my deck.  I'm not sure but I think the tree hanging over my deck is a birch tree, see image. What are these things laying on my deck?  Are they from a tree  or are they squirrel poop?  I live in Atlanta Georgia and it is September 2012.

Thx

Answer
This is a river birch and these are the fruit of the tree. The fruit are small cones and these look like the cones or pieces of cones. Here is a web link to this tree and pictures of the cone.
http://www.dof.virginia.gov/trees/birch-river.htm

Also here is a web link to pictures of squirrel poop. Not the same as what you have.

http://www.wildlife-removal.com/squirrelpoop.html