American Wigeons are a common sight in Metro Vancouver from fall through spring, but they disappear for the summer to cooler shores. With 40 more members of his flock, I spotted this handsome fellow wandering the local beach in the late winter of 2015--an odd sight, since they tend to be seen on water or land, but not sand!

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

American Wigeon Duck Walking the Beach Postcard

Like rodgersia, California Buckeye is a big draw for butterflies. I had no shortage of opportunities to capture Swallowtail Butterflies working these tiny flowers for their nectar. Photographed in mid-June 2016.

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

Swallowtail Butterfly on Buckeye Flower Postcard

A rare moment of co-operation and tenderness between Sanderlings (who are more likely to go solo or chase each other during their hunts) in their search for snacks on the shore.

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

Cute Pair of Sanderlings Sandpipers Shares a Meal Postcard

The rounder the songbird, the cuter it is. This little puffball is ready for a chilly weekend of sub-zero temperatures in Metro Vancouver! An adult White-Crowned Sparrow cuts a dashing figure at Boundary Bay Regional Park in South Delta, British Columbia, Canada, on the first day of the Great Backyard Bird Count 2018.

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

Puffy White-Crowned Sparrow Songbird in Winter Sun Postcard

A tiny Sanderling looks for a fine seafood dining experience on the shores of Boundary Bay Regional Park in mid-February 2017.

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

Cute Sanderling Sandpiper Wanders Wintry Shores Postcard

Perfectly reflected in the tranquil waters of this pond is this Northern Pintail drake. They may be most commonly seen in West Coast winters, but I've encountered these ducks almost all year round at the Reifel Migratory Bird Sanctuary.

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

Reflections of a Northern Pintail Duck Postcard

Ella the Pomeranian was so happy to be the focus of attention that she forgot (for once) to run to the photographer, and instead cracked a smile for me. Photographed in late June 2018.

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

Cute Laughing Pomeranian Dog Postcard

That the Surf Scoters of White Rock Pier are habituated to the presence of humans is a bit of an understatement. This handsome and tame drake was one of hundreds of these large black seaducks who routinely passed under the boardwalk during a crisp but sunny morning visit in early November 2019, giving great bird's eye views of that colorful and comically oversized schnoz that the ladies of his kind have found so fascinating for so long.

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

Stunning Surf Scoter Duck at Pier's Edge Postcard

Beautiful Mountain Bluebird on Beach Driftwood Mini Binder

Beautiful Mountain Bluebird Golf Head Cover

Beautiful Mountain Bluebird on Beach Driftwood Ceramic Tile

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

WWN Beautiful Mountain Bluebird on Beach Driftwood

Add a touch of nature to the kitchen with this floral-themed kitchen towel! 

The enticing combination of purple/blue petals and yellow centers drew me to my first michaelmas daisies, which bloom from July through to October--adding wonderful splashes of color to the garden when many of the vivid hues of summer have already wound down. Photographed on September 18, 2016.

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

Beautiful Purple Michaelmas Daisies Towel

Part brainteaser, part assemble-it-yourself art, this challenging, wildlife-themed puzzle is great for improving muscle memory. 

This is a Black Oystercatcher, but we saw only clams and mussels being deftly pried apart for their tasty flesh by these expert shuckers.

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

Black Oystercatcher at Work Jigsaw Puzzle

A newly adult Canada Goose grooms itself at Piper Spit, Burnaby Lake, on a cloudy fall day, the angular and swan-like curve of its neck conveying an almost regal quality to this bird. Although migratory birds in many parts of the world, some Canada Geese are all-year-round residents in Metro Vancouver and the Pacific Northwest. Photographed in early November 2016.

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

Canada Goose Preening on Lake Postcard

The vivid red crocosmia lucifer flowers aren't just eye candy for humans -- they attract hummingbirds and insects by the score, too. Large, flame-shaped (one might even say, flamboyant) masses were in bloom at the UBC Botanical Gardens, providing many opportunities to photograph them. Photographed in mid-July 2016.

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

Red Crocosmia Lucifer Coppertips Flowers Postcard

Funny Cute 4 Sanderlings Sandpipers at the Beach Serving Tray

Funny Cute 4 Sanderlings Sandpipers at the Beach Business Card

Hanging with my peeps! Despite the 60-80 Sanderlings probing the shoreline, getting a group photo of this high-energy flock (which was soon joined by another flock of 30-40 Sanderlings) in action was a bit difficult (imagine kindergarten-aged children running amok all over the place); shots of bills submerged in water as well as feathered butts pointed in my direction were the norm.

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

WWN A Cute Quartet of Sanderlings / Hanging With My Peeps

Add a touch of nature to your car with this whimsical, wildlife-inspired air freshener!

One of three Eastern Grey Squirrels who find the cherries on the backyard fruit trees simply irresistible. I think I'll call him Don Cherry. If it's a girl, it'll be Dawn Cheery. Either way, I'm covered. Photographed in my backyard in mid-June 2016.

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

American Wigeon Duck Walking the Beach Postcard

American Wigeon Duck Walking the Beach Postcard

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Other products from various stores