It isn't very often that I get a Savannah Sparrow to pose right under my nose, but this one did, and didn't fly away like the ones who get unintentionally flushed by walkers at Boundary Bay Regional Park. 

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

An Inquisitive Savannah Sparrow Photo Print

A male Zebra Finch returns my gaze. These highly social birds and lovely singers are very comfortable around humans -- more than a few were inches from our faces (or feet, as they would share the same walking path) -- making it necessary to watch where we walked!

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

A Friendly Male Zebra Finch Photo Print

My attempt to photograph a Rufous hummingbird feeding from the hot pink fuschia flowers on a sunny evening in late June 2016 ultimately proved to be fruitless ... but this Western Tiger Swallowtail butterfly who came to pose in its stead was a wonderful consolation prize!

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

Beautiful Western Tiger Swallowtail Butterfly Photo Print

An unusual bird to see in Metro Vancouver during the fall migratory bird season, this Buff-Breasted Sandpiper was one of two I had the opportunity to photograph up close, and one of five spotted here in 2016. Like the Sanderling, the BBSA is exceedingly comfortable around humans. 

The BBSA is special for another reason: fewer than 80,000 individuals are estimated worldwide (per data from migration sites and its allaboutbirds.org/guide/Buff-breasted_Sandpiper/id profile; actual figures are difficult to obtain, as it does not always exhibit nest fidelity), making it a Near Threatened species. Its dainty, dove-like head, short bill, and buff coloration make it one of the easier peeps to identify. It is a transcontinental bird, flying northwards to breed in the arctic, and wintering in South America.

Rather comically, this one spent some time chasing the other one off. Apparently, it wanted the attention of the photographers all to itself! When it wasn't hogging the limelight, it made sure every lens was trained on it -- regardless of what it was doing -- foraging, resting on the grass, or grooming its feathers.  Photographed in late August 2016.

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

Profile of a Buff-Breasted Sandpiper at the Beach Photo Print

This beautiful young Peregrine Falcon -- who is being rehabilitated for eventual release -- was unintentionally vignetted when I photographed it through a hole in the fence. However, my subject knew to give me its best side!

Vignetted Profile of a Peregrine Falcon Photo Print

Mid-autumn brings the return of Buffleheads to the George C. Reifel Migratory Bird Sanctuary. While one or two of these diminutive ducks will partake of the birdseed thrown in the water, the rest generally keep their distance from humans and the other duck species.
 
Based on the original photography of W.H. Sim. All Rights Reserved. See more at zazzle.com/walkswithnature

Male Bufflehead in the Afternoon Sun Photo Print

Rufous Hummingbirds have usually left Metro Vancouver for Mexico by mid August, so it was a delight to see and photograph this exceedingly feisty straggler in the backyard. This little scrapper has been (successfully, for the past two days) giving grief to the juvenile male Anna's hummingbird who has owned the backyard for most of the summer (as well as the other feathered friends who visit), vigorously defending every flower and feeder in sight. This hybrid fruit tree branch has become its favorite perch, and gave me quite a few photographic opportunities. Photographed on September 4, 2016.

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

Adorable Rufous Hummingbird on Branch Photo Print

My first meeting with one of (at least) two Clark's Nutcrackers who were frequenting Manning Park Resort in the early morning and afternoon. Like Gray Jays, Clark's Nutcrackers are quite bold and will approach visitors in hopes of free food.

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

A Hopeful Clark's Nutcracker Photo Print

Keep notes, reminders, and more in this wildlife-themed journal. The perfect choice for hummingbird lovers!

The start of the growing season means the return of the diminutive but feisty Rufous Hummingbirds to Metro Vancouver. From March through August, their presence means increased competition for nectar feeders and flowers for the resident Anna's hummingbirds. This fellow was one of five Rufouses to visit the Richmond Nature Park regularly on an early spring day. We witnessed extremely vocal and physical territorial disputes (which were, rather comically, inversely proportional to the size of the combatants). Photographed on April 4, 2016.

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

Male Rufous Hummingbird in the Summer Sun Notebook

A curious and very active Ruby-Crowned Kinglet explores a fruit-laden hawthorn bush (not for the berries, but for insects!) on a fine autumn afternoon. Photographed in early November 2020.

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

Cute Ruby-Crowned Kinglet Songbird on Bush Postcard

Make pjs, bedroom decor, bags, and so much more with this fabric, which features that iconic harbinger of spring, an American Robin.

It's always a wonderful moment when our subjects seek us out instead of the other way around! A particularly bold American Robin approaches our picnic table to stare at us -- perhaps he was hoping that we had worms or berries with us?

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

A Curious and Hopeful American Robin Fabric

The Red-Breasted Nuthatches who patronize the backyard are all business when it comes to procuring sunflower seeds (although they may linger on the suet feeder). They are even quicker to dash and dine (or dash and cache) than the Black-Capped Chickadees, so it is extremely rare to see the former even perched on a branch for any length of time.

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

Beautiful Red-Breasted Nuthatch Songbird on Branch Metal Ornament

Add a touch of nature to the kitchen or dining room with this floral-themed glass coaster.

Asiatic lilies are a wonderful addition to any summer garden, and this red orange 'Gran Paradiso' cultivar bloomed just a bit earlier to fill the void left by the early blooming roses. Photographed in mid-June 2016.

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

Beautiful Red Orange Asiatic Lily Gran Paradiso Glass Coaster

Stunning Hooded Merganser Duck at the Pond Luggage Tag

Singer in the Making: Hooded Merganser Gel Mouse Pad

Stunning Hooded Merganser Duck at the Pond Classic Round Sticker

Singer in the Making: Hooded Mergansers Magnet

Stunning Hooded Merganser Duck at the Pond Magnet

Stunning Hooded Merganser Duck at the Pond Wall Sticker

A Hooded Merganser drake puts in a surprise appearance in one of our newer local ponds. This one is warming up his vocal chops in hopes of impress

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

WWN A Hooded Merganser Who's Dressed to Impress

Keep notes, reminders, and more in this wildlife-themed journal. 

Rufous Hummingbirds have usually left Metro Vancouver for Mexico by mid August, so it was a delight to see and photograph this exceedingly feisty straggler in the backyard. This little scrapper has been (successfully, for the past two days) giving grief to the juvenile male Anna's hummingbird who has owned the backyard for most of the summer (as well as the other feathered friends who visit), vigorously defending every flower and feeder in sight. This hybrid fruit tree branch has become its favorite perch, and gave me quite a few photographic opportunities. Photographed on September 4, 2016.

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

An Inquisitive Savannah Sparrow Photo Print

An Inquisitive Savannah Sparrow Photo Print

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