Two mammals posed for portraits in a short time this morning.
This is a white-tailed buck with misshapen antlers: an extra spike and nodules at the base. Apparently, these can be caused by damage to the deer’s pedicles (region from which antlers grow). However, this buck also had a truncated tail, so it may have had more problems.
The Columbian ground squirrel is fairly common, but it rarely approaches closely and poses.
On the lawns in Manning Park, the abundant Columbian squirrels are also difficult to photograph, for a different reason. When you approach, they immediately run right up to your feet, hoping for a handout.
I can almost see the squirrel’s nose twitching! Beautiful portraits Alistair.