Out of My Rear Window 12/19/10

First, the traditional Sunday morning shot.  It's a quiet, overcast morning, and the feeders are deserted.  Not so last night, however.  Things were bustling.
Just as the sun was going down, things at the feeders were heating up.  First, it was just one little squirrel, all alone in a lovely sunset.

He wasn't alone for long, however.  Soon, he was joined by some of his siblings and cousins, plus the ever present mourning doves.

Then, the two young bucks who have been regular visitors to the feeder, showed up.  For once, they were early enough that I could get some pictures of them.

They are such beautiful creatures.  But, I noticed a strange thing.  One of them only has one antler.  What makes this even more curious is that I saw the same thing last year.  I assumed, then, that he had somehow lost the other one.  But, seeing this again this year, I guess it's a malformation of some kind.  Maybe it will keep him safe from the hunters.

Here's his brother, with the normal two antlers.

Hunting season is down to muzzle-loaders and bow.  That will be done on the 22nd, so, if that poaching neighbor of mine doesn't make one last foray into the woods, I think these boys are safe for another year. 
The last visitors of the night came just before sunset.  Mr. Mallard and his Lady came calling, looking for food to carry them through the night.  These pictures aren't that good, because they were moving so quickly that the couple were blurred, in every shot.  I guess that they really were hungry.

OK, ok, I do notice that it is Mrs. Mallard who is the more blurry.  Hungrier, or just greedier?