An itch to go outside and bird on a sunny if moderately windy afternoon in late July 2016 led me to this solitary Black-Bellied Plover on the shores of Boundary Bay Regional Park in Tsawwassen, British Columbia. My subject, sporting worn breeding plumage, was keeping company with a solitary gull. Neither was the least spooked by my presence. Almost as if both were expecting me. Sometimes it really is a matter of asking why not.

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

Black-Bellied Plover on the Shore Photo Print

Sanderlings are tiny -- and surprisingly, quite approachable -- migratory shorebirds which can be easily found in flocks of a hundred (or more) on Vancouver beaches in the winter. They can cover 10-20 feet of shoreline remarkably quickly with those tiny feet, and are used to seeing humans in their midst. Photographed on a very sunny and busy winter afternoon at Boundary Bay Regional Park.

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

Closeup of a Busy Sanderling Photo Print

I spotted this youngster sitting on this little island all by itself at Piper Spit, amongst many other recent springtime arrivals from more distant shores. I wondered if independence been foisted upon it at a very early age, for I saw neither mother Mallard nor siblings in the immediate area, and yet this precocious duckling seemed to be more than capable of fending for and feeding itself.

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

A Cute and Precocious Mallard Duckling Photo Print

I was surprised to learn that Black-Headed Grosbeaks will fly to the ground to eat seed; my previous encounters with these strikingly-colored finches was strictly up (way up!) in the trees. This handsome fellow showed no restraints about catching some sun on the boardwalk, either, and unwittingly gave me several closeups of him in the process. Photographed at Campbell Valley Regional Park on July 2, 2016.

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

Closeup of a Handsome Black-Headed Grosbeak Photo Print

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 Photo Print

One of a dozen of Harlequin Ducks I had the fortune of meeting at the beach, and my closest encounter with these diving sea ducks. Interestingly, all were adult males in near or full breeding plumage and showing off their slate grey, white, and rich cinnamon feathers, but there were no ladies of their own kind to impress. Photographed on the first full day of spring 2017.

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

Beautiful Harlequin Duck on the Rock Photo Print

Owls are such fascinating creatures. They are front page newsmakers, drawing the interest of birders, nature lovers, and just about everyone else who has a pulse. Snowy Owls are especially charismatic; the largest owls in North America only show up in Metro Vancouver every few years, and their appearance during our winters causes crowds of admirers and fans to form and flock.

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

Beautiful, Dreamy and Serene Snowy Owl Photo Print

Brown Creepers are common all-year-round residents in Metro Vancouver, but it's easy to miss seeing these masters of disguise in the forest. This is the closest I have come to photographing this extremely well-camouflaged bird, and seeing the meal in its bill was a nice added bonus.

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

American Treecreeper with Bug

What you choose to build anticipation of a gift with is just as important as the gift itself. This gift bag, which features a visiting neighborhood cat who posed under the camellia leaves on a wet and gloomy fall day, is perfect for cat lovers.

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

The Cat and the Camellia Large Gift Bag

Beautiful Varied Thrush Songbird in the Snow Tote Bag

Beautiful Varied Thrush Songbird on Snowy Day Drawstring Bag

Stunning Varied Thrush Songbird on Snowy Day Ceramic Tile

Varied Thrush Songbird on Snowy Winter Day Mug

Stunning Varied Thrush Songbird on Snowy Day Photo Print

After sitting outside for an hour and a half as the afternoon snow fell quickly and in fat clumps this afternoon, this beautiful male Varied Thrush finally ventured to the bowl of the seed on the ground. Occasionally, he would look up and gaze in my direction before resuming his meal. After eating his fill (and keeping the other, smaller songbirds at bay), he returned to flipping leaf litter under the thicket. My first time photographing a Varied Thrush in the snow. Taken in early February 2017. 

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

WWN Stunning Varied Thrush in the Driving Snow

Add a touch of nature to your correspondence with these wildlife-inspired address labels!

When you're this small and round, even watching you eat is a cute experience! Saw more of the tiny Sanderlings at the Boundary Bay Regional Park beach, just before Valentine's Day 2017. This one was foraging on the shoreline with 20 others of its kind, dining on the remnants of clams that had been already picked apart by gulls. 

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

Cute Sanderling Shorebird Dines on Clam at Beach Label

All-year-round residents in Metro Vancouver and the Pacific Northwest, Black-Capped Chickadees are some of the most "resourceful" birds we have in the backyard. Not only will they eat birdseed, sunflower seeds, and suet, but they will also eat blueberries, drink hummingbird nectar, and drink flower (kniphofia) nectar! Photographed in mid-February 2016.

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

Cute Black-Capped Chickadee in the Tree Classic Round Sticker

Male and Female Surf Scoter Ducks at the Pier Canvas Print

Male and Female Surf Scoter Ducks at the Pier Trinket Tray

Male and Female Surf Scoter Ducks at the Pier Jigsaw Puzzle

Male and Female Surf Scoter Ducks at the Pier Serving Tray

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 and hen pair 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

WWN Surf Scoter Ducks at the Pier

Add a touch of sophistication, festivity, and elegance to the holiday dining experience with this poinsettia table runner!

Poinsettias are most often associated with Christmas, and, surrounded here by cream coloured Yellow Snow poinsettias, the speckled leaves of this particular variety -- known as Shimmer Surprise Poinsettia -- add an even more festive touch to year-end holidays as a popular centerpiece.

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

Festive Red White Floral Poinsettia Flowers Short Table Runner

Use this whimsical, wildlife-themed trivet to protect delicate surfaces, tables, and countertops from hot pots, or as an accent piece for the dining room or kitchen.

One of several Black-Capped Chickadees patronizing the backyard feeders. I managed to catch this little one perched on the pear tree and catching a bit of afternoon sun, with the blush of autumn behind it (courtesy of the neighbor's giant red maple tree). Photographed in late October 2017.

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

Black-Bellied Plover on the Shore Photo Print

Black-Bellied Plover on the Shore Photo Print

More from Walks with Nature

Other products from various stores