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Having encountered Harlequin Ducks only at great distances before, seeing these two females up close sharing a quiet moment on a seaweed-covered rock at West Vancouver's Ambleside Beach gave me hope for future encounters with these small seaducks. Photographed in late August 2016.

Based on the original photography of W.H. Sim. All Rights Reserved. See more at zazzle.com/walkswithnature

A Pair of Harlequin Ducks on the Rocks Magnet

One of 7 Killdeer frequenting the mudflats near the pumphouse at Boundary Bay Regional Park / Centennial Beach after the first snowfall blanketed the Metro Vancouver region and turned normally flowing watercourses into frozen lakes of ice and snow. In my 2 years of birding, I have never encountered Killdeer at this time of the year (winter is a week away), let alone under the current weather conditions. Photographed in mid-December 2016 during an unseasonably prolonged cold snap.

Based on the original photography of W.H. Sim. All Rights Reserved. See more at zazzle.com/walkswithnature

Killdeer in the Freezing Mudflats Magnet

My first encounter with the dapper little Bonaparte's Gull in breeding plumage. This was the lone member of its species at Boundary Bay Regional Park on Global Big Day 2016!

Based on the original photography of W.H. Sim. All Rights Reserved. See more at zazzle.com/walkswithnature

Bonaparte's Gull at the Beach Magnet

This gorgeous loner, a late migrant Ruddy Turnstone, had no qualms about the myriad of lenses pointed his way on an early sunny afternoon at the south side of the Tsawwassen Ferry Jetty.  From time to time, he would amaze us with his extraordinary feats of strength (this involved lifting clumps of kelp much bigger than himself, in his search for grubs and other tasty aquatic comestibles that shorebirds such as he would find irresistibly delectable -- great comic relief). Once in a while, he would pause to show us his best side (all of them). Clearly, he knew that the spotlight was on him, and he used it to his best advantage. My first encounter with this well-camouflaged shorebird, and another bird for my life list.

Based on the original photography of W.H. Sim. All Rights Reserved. See more at zazzle.com/walkswithnature

A Showstopping Ruddy Turnstone Magnet

You'd never guess, from her playful and youthful manner, that Stella is actually 10 to 12 years older than she looks! This indoor sweetie is as likely to cuddle up to the laps of strangers as she is to those of her regular pair of humans, but she knows how to puts her paw down as far as dogs (especially big dogs) are concerned.

Based on the original photography of W.H. Sim. All Rights Reserved. See more at zazzle.com/walkswithnature

Stella the Gray Cat Magnet

My second encounter with a male Mountain Bluebird. We are gifted, albeit very briefly, with the presence of these beautiful songbirds at the start of the spring season before they head to higher ground to breed. Those stunning cerulean colors stand out on a dreary landscape, even from a distance. When he wasn't busy diving for insects on the local beach, he was highpointing it on driftwood and stalks of dessicated tansy. Photographed at Boundary Bay Regional Park in early spring 2017.

Based on the original photography of W.H. Sim. All Rights Reserved. See more at zazzle.com/walkswithnature

Beautiful Mountain Bluebird on a Beach Log Magnet

By mid-May 2016, the Reifel Migratory Bird Sanctuary on Westham Island had already hosted 10 fledged Barn Swallows! I can usually find at least a couple of them who like to hang around the Warming Hut, as curious about the photographers behind the long lenses as we are about them. Always a pleasure to make the acquaintance of these colorful aerialists!

Based on the original photography of W.H. Sim. All Rights Reserved. See more at zazzle.com/walkswithnature

Stunning Barn Swallow on a Branch Magnet

A couple of Hooded Merganser drakes put in a surprise appearance in one of our newer local ponds. These two are hoping to impress the two hens in their small flock with their frog-like (croaking) repertoire.

Singers in the Making: Hooded Mergansers Magnet

Add a touch of nature and whimsy to your coffee, tea, or favourite hot drink with this wildlife-themed mug! The perfect gift idea for bird lovers! 

As with many yellow summer birds on my watch list, I have been pursuing this beautiful warbler and prolific singer for quite some time. Two years ago, I heard his trademark witchety-witchety-witchety birdsong and have since gotten few and frequently shaded glimpses of his rakish black mask and bright yellow breast through local shrubs and bushes. This is the closest I have come to photographing him out in the open. 

Based on the original photography of W.H. Sim. All Rights Reserved. See more at zazzle.com/walkswithnature

Beautiful Common Yellowthroat Warbler Songbird Mug

Add a touch of nature to the bedroom or living room with this wildlife-themed throw. The perfect choice for bird lovers! 

If the legendary celestial phoenix had an earthly form, it would have to be this creature. Golden Pheasants are showstoppers, wherever you see them. In their natural environment, these shy creatures seek the underbrush in the day and roost high in trees at night. As with most birds in the avian kingdom, the males are the ones who dress to impress, and this uncharacteristically bold fellow is no exception. This is the red gold variant. 

Based on the original photography of W.H. Sim. All Rights Reserved. See more at zazzle.com/walkswithnature

Profile of a Red Golden Pheasant Throw Pillow

Add a touch of nature to any room with this wildlife-themed clock! Customize with or without numbers, and choose from round or square designs. 

Close encounter with of one of several stunning spring aerialists, a handsome male Tree Swallow taking five on the wire at Iona Island, BC, Canada. Their less strikingly colored female counterparts have yet to arrive. Photographed in late March 2021. 

Based on the original photography of W.H. Sim. All Rights Reserved. See more at zazzle.com/walkswithnature

Stunning Tree Swallow Songbird in Springtime Sun Clock

Elegant Maple Leaf Tulips Ceiling Lamp

Elegant Floral Maple Leaf Red White Tulips Label

These striking two-tone maple leaf tulips were created specifically to celebrate Canada's 150th birthday.

Based on the original photography of W.H. Sim. All Rights Reserved. See more at zazzle.com/walkswithnature

WWN Elegant Maple Leaf Tulips

Cute Blue Jay Songbird on Treestump Keychain

Cute Blue Jay Songbird on Treestump Watch

Cute Blue Jay Songbird on Treestump Throw Blanket

Cute Blue Jay Songbird on Treestump Drawstring Bag

Cute Blue Jay Songbird on Treestump Adult Cloth Face Mask

Cute Blue Jay Songbird on Treestump Label

Blue Jays may be one of North America's most iconic bird species, but they are rarely found on the West Coast. However, this one has discovered that Ladner Harbor Park in beautiful British Columbia is a great place to hang out and avoid the nasty snowfalls of the east. 

Based on the original photography of W.H. Sim. All Rights Reserved. See more at zazzle.com/walkswithnature

WWN Bold Blue Jay Songbird on the Stump

This is the first time I've been to Stanley Park in the autumn. On this chilly day, the waters were swimming with so much waterfowl, including American Wigeons, Black Oystercatchers, Surf Scoters, Hooded Mergansers, Common Mergansers, Harlequin Ducks, Double-Crested Cormorants, the odd Pied-Billed Grebe, and hundreds of Barrow's Goldeneyes. What surprised me was how comfortable (and perhaps, even curious) some of these seabirds were with the various human users (bikers, hikers, dogwalkers), of the Stanley Park Seawall. This is the closest I've gotten to one particularly curious Barrow's Goldeneye.

Profile of a Barrow's Goldeneye Magnet

Add a touch of nature to your walls with this floral-themed photo print!  The hibiscus is a familiar and popular sight in many private and public gardens, and will also draw the interest of hummingbirds. Some varieties can grow to the size of dinner plates! I snapped this blooming beauty in the backyard.

A Pair of Harlequin Ducks on the Rocks Magnet

A Pair of Harlequin Ducks on the Rocks Magnet

More from Walks with Nature

Other magnets from various stores