Sunday, December 19, 2010

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?

11 comments:

TexWisGirl said...

What a wonderful bunch of visitors you had last night! Those bucks are so beautiful! Enjoyed all your visitors - even that one lone squirrel enjoying his peace and quiet while it lasted!

Sharon said...

Happy Sunday, Louise!
A very busy evening for sure, It's great that you feed any and all comers! If you feed them they will come! I always love your back yard and all the creatures that come for comfort there. Have a great rest of the day!

~Kim at Golden Pines~ said...

Hi Louise! We've had the greedy Blue jays eating everything up today...They are worse than the starlings, but much prettier to look at! :-)

My Mind's Eye said...

Mom loves the view from your rear window...she said if you save her a seat and put the coffee on she'll be there tomorrow morning with cranberry orange scones.....
Oh what a thrill it must be so see such a variety of wildlife from your home.

Hugs Madi and Mom

Vicki Lane said...

Lovely sunset shot! And your pictures of the pier in your previous post are amazing!

Terry said...

You are a lucky ducky to have all that great wildlife.

Gloria said...

Thank you for your visit. I look forward to ever Sunday to look out your Rear Window.

Jim said...

And all this from your rear window! Lovely and so many different critters. Lucky Louise!
Jim

Tina said...

Oh wow!

GLORIA'S STORY said...

No, I'm not in the mud slides, just earthquakes, but I would prefer to have an earthquake than a tornado. Lived through a lot of them in OHIO.

I hate the thought of those beautiful deers getting shot. They look like babies. Don't mallard duck go to warm weather in the winter?

barefootheart said...

Oh, you have such a wonderful cornucopia of visitors! The sun through the trees is beautiful too.