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This is a female Anna's hummingbird who has been challenging the adult male Anna's hummingbird for backyard ownership rights (note: there are three MORE challengers!) -- going so far as to not just drink from the nectar feeders in the backyard, but sit in the same branch as the current owner ... which is usually a challenge that usually shatters the peace in about five seconds.

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

Anna's Hummingbird Hovers in Place Keychain

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

Sitting Pretty: Male Rufous Hummingbird Keychain

An adult Bald Eagle surveys its domain below from its lofty perch in the Boundary Bay Wildlife Management Area. Metro Vancouver is home to thousands of these birds of prey, and seeing 25-50 a day throughout most of the year is not unheard of. 

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

Beautiful Majestic Bald Eagle in Tree Keychain

One of two American Kestrels we saw whilst driving through Surrey during BC Family Day 2016. Though not a closeup -- my subject was about 15-20 feet above my head and 25 feet away -- the sun lit him enough to capture his magnificent plumage (another photo I took of his back showed blue and orange wings--confirming his gender). My first sighting in the wild of North America's tiniest falcon, and the first time I have seen the male of the species. It surprised me to learn that insects, not songbirds, are the staples of their diet.

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

American Kestrel Hawk on a Wire Keychain

My first encounter with this large and beautiful Central and South American native. Although never having met one before, somehow I knew that the bright yellow eyes, white eyebrows, and black patches around the eyes could only belong to the Spectacled Owl.

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

Mesmerizing Golden Eyes of a Spectacled Owl Keychain

Community gardens are a wonderful place to see not just veggies and fruits, but a great variety of beautiful flowers. These beardless purple irises caught my eye at Richmond's Terra Nova Rural Park in late spring 2015.

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

Elegant Dutch Iris Purple Sensation Flowers Keychain

Looking deceptively like a baby duck, this full grown Bufflehead hen struck the perfect pose for me at one of the inner ponds at the George C. Reifel Migratory Bird Sanctuary. Curious "sentries" like this one will often detach themselves from the flock to satisfy their curiosity about those lenses pointed in their direction. I really doubt it's for the birdseed, unless we have discovered one with a sudden taste for them. :) 

There was just enough afternoon sunlight left to reflect the blue skies in the waters, paint a catchlight in this Bufflehead's eyes, and cast a soft glow on her face. 

With fall giving way to winter in just another week, we are seeing more and more of these tiny diving seaducks -- but always in small groups that tend to stay in waters far, far from human view. Though not skittish like Hooded Mergansers tend to be, I have yet to see a single Bufflehead set a webbed toe on land.

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

Cute Bufflehead Duck on Sunlit Waters Keychain

The only male Anna's hummingbird (of four males and one female regular) who would "consent" to having his (developing) crown taken at (somewhat) close range -- close, in this case, being 10-12 feet away in the second floor sunroom.  He constantly flashed me his pink head while he sat on the blackberry branch. Not even my opening a window "incentivized" him to fly off. Apparently this is fast becoming one of his favourite perches. 

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

Anna's Hummingbird and His Raspberry-Dipped Head Keychain

Bring a bit of nature with you, wherever you go, with this elegant, wildlife-themed tote! 

It's not a partridge in the pear tree, but I'll take it! This formerly one-time visitor to the backyard has become something of a regular three years later, thanks in large part to the presence of the larger bird feeders installed earlier in 2017. On occasion, he also brings his lady dove for dinner and a date, but he is now quite comfortable around the humans who wander the area. Photographed in early October 2017.

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

Eurasian Collared Dove on the Cherry Tree Tote Bag

Add a little character to the office -- or office party -- with this wildlife-themed tie.  One of two American Kestrels we saw whilst driving through Surrey during BC Family Day 2016. Though not a closeup -- my subject was about 15-20 feet above my head and 25 feet away -- the sun lit him enough to capture his magnificent plumage (another photo I took of his back showed blue and orange wings--confirming his gender). My first sighting in the wild of North America's tiniest falcon, and the first time I have seen the male of the species. It surprised me to learn that insects, not songbirds, are the staples of their diet.

American Kestrel on a Wire Tie

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

Although this handsome and talented singer--garbed in dazzling whites, crisp blacks, rich brown streaks, and a yellow/green cap--was quick to regale us with his cheery, energetic aria on many occasions, opportunities to photograph him on the local mountain flora were few and far between. His presence was a delight to local birders like myself, for this songbird is a very rare sight in the West; Chestnut-Sided Warblers are normally found in the Canadian Prairies and provinces eastward. Photographed in early July 2018 on Grouse Mountain in North Vancouver, British Columbia.

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

Chestnut-Sided Warbler Songbird on a Branch Glass Coaster

Part brainteaser, part assemble-it-yourself art, this challenging, wildlife-themed puzzle is great for improving muscle memory. A White-Crowned Sparrow welcomes the day (and enchants its rapt listeners) with a simple but sweet song. As spring turns into summer, we see more and more of this beautiful songbird, who often forages solo, too.

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

A White-Crowned Sparrow Sings to the Morning Sun Jigsaw Puzzle

Elegant Japanese Andromeda Bonfire Flowering Shrub Trinket Tray

Japanese Andromeda Bonfire Serving Tray

Japanese Andromeda Bonfire Large Gift Bag

Japanese Andromeda Bonfire

Japanese Andromeda aka Pieris Japonica is one of my favorite shrubs. It is one of the first plants to flower in the spring--making it an early and obvious choice for pollinators like bumblebees and honeybees--and its slow growing nature makes it an easy-to-maintain natural border plant. Its medley of young dark red leaves, mature yellowish green leaves, and white bell-shaped flowers contrasts nicely against a blue sky and makes for spectacular landscape shots.

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

WWN Japanese Andromeda Bonfire

Add a touch of nature to the bedroom or living room with this wildlife-themed throw! 

Isn't she lovely? This female Rufous hummingbird poses calmly for my camera on the old plum tree in the backyard. With the very early arrival (and disappearance) of the males in March and April as they migrate to as far north as Alaska, we have had a veritable dearth of yardbirds. Her continued presence means that life will become much more "interesting" for the resident Anna's (particularly the males). Not coincidentally, we are also seeing more birds in the backyard now.

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

Female Rufous Hummingbird on the Plum Tree Round Pillow

Nothing says "you complete me" or "your better/other half" than these whimsical, wildlife-themed lovers' mugs.

Diminutive Bufflehead ducks tend to be a challenge to photograph since they keep their distance, but there's always one in the flock (usually, a male) who takes his patrol duty very seriously. Catching the colours of his iridescent head is always a real treat. 

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

Anna's Hummingbird Hovers in Place Keychain

Anna's Hummingbird Hovers in Place Keychain

More from Walks with Nature

Other keychains from various stores