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While photographing summer blossoms in the backyard, I turned around and saw this orange beetle staring at me as it clutched at the topmost leaf of the obedient plant. It was an opportunity I could not pass up! Soldier Beetles are beneficial insects, pollinating flowers as they sup on nectar, and eating pests like aphids.

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

Cute Soldier Beetle Bug on False Dragonhead Postcard

On a very memorable Boxing Day 2017, a dozen of these enchanting but highly reclusive songbirds were frequenting the trees and vocalizing near the Burnaby Lake Nature House at Piper Spit. None seemed particularly concerned about the presence of photographers, and I daresay some of the subjects even worked the cameras with their pretty poses!

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

Beautiful Varied Thrush Songbird on Snowy Ground Postcard

To me, this deer, the forest, and our unexpected encounter–far from cars, smartphones, skyscrapers, and the other trappings of human civilization–collectively symbolize the unadorned wonder, resilience, and fragility of nature. None of which I should ever take for granted.

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

Black-Tailed Deer in the Forest Postcard

There's lots to be admired when you're a Hooded Merganser. Crests are your specialty, whether you're the male or the female. The ladies have lovely cinnamon crests, and the gentlemen inflatable black-and-white numbers complemented by a one-size-fits-all black tux for all seasons with a swath of reddish brown on their sides.

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

Hooded Merganser Ducks at the Pond Postcard

A number of these large butterflies were flying through the Boundary Bay Wildlife Management Area during our early evening visit, but this one was "kind" enough to grant us an impromptu studio session for a few minutes while it fluttered and fed from the local flora.

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

Beautiful Anise Swallowtail Butterfly in the Sun Postcard

The smallest shorebirds (and sandpipers) to visit North American shores during the summer, Least Sandpipers can be seen feeding in small flocks on the mudflats of local wildlife areas. The yellowish green legs (when not covered in mud) of these sparrow-sized "peeps" make it easy to ID them and separate them from their similarly-sized cousins, the Western Sandpipers and Semipalmated Sandpipers, with whom they have been known to associate with in mixed flocks. Photographed on an early morning in August 2016 at Boundary Bay Regional Park, British Columbia.

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

Least Sandpiper Shorebird on Mudflats Postcard

Fall and winter bring great numbers of Dark-Eyed Juncos to Metro Vancouver--and these colorful sparrows are second in number only to the diminutive Bushtits for the most commonly seen songbirds in our yard during these times of the year. This lovely female was quite aware that the camera was trained on her, and made an extra effort to give me her best pose.

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

Dark-Eyed Junco Sparrow Songbird on a Limb Postcard

Sometimes a mistake can be the path to a new technique. This Crested Iris was actually photographed outdoors under natural daylight after I forgot to reset shutter speed and aperture settings from the previous photo--which turned out to be perfect for highlighting its delicate petals. 

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

Elegant Floral Crested Iris Shaga Postcard

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

The search for the male Mountain Bluebird at the North Jetty of Iona Island proved futile, but this blue bird -- perched on a twig near the chain link fence along Ferguson Road by the inner ponds -- didn't disappoint. 

The Tree Swallows have indeed returned to Iona Island, but we saw far fewer now than in March 2015 at this same point in time -- and the females had already shown up, too. I observed maybe 20 in flight and just a few perched like this fellow, and not a female in sight.

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

Profile of a Male Tree Swallow in the Sun Jigsaw Puzzle

Part brainteaser, part assemble-it-yourself art, this challenging, wildlife-themed puzzle is great for improving muscle memory. Black-Crowned Night Herons enjoy quasi-celebrity status in Metro Vancouver. Normally seen in Alberta and Saskatchewan--the provinces next door--as well as many parts of the U.S.., a small posse, usually composed of 3-4 adults and 1-2 juveniles, spends the fall through winter and early spring seasons perched high (and snoozing) in the trees at the Reifel Migratory Bird Sanctuary. It is a rare treat to see one close by with its bright red eyes open, because they are more likely to be active at dusk or at night.

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

Profile of a Black-Crowned Night Heron Jigsaw Puzzle

Cute Canada Jay / Grey Jay / Whiskeyjack Jigsaw Puzzle

Profile of a Cute Grey Jay / Whiskeyjack Wall Sticker

Cute Canada Gray / Grey Jay / Whiskeyjack Golf Head Cover

Cute Grey Jay Whiskeyjack Songbird Metal Ornament

Cute Grey Jay Whiskeyjack Songbird in Conifer Tree Throw Pillow

If someone combined the adorably big head and black eyes of a Black-Capped Chickadee with the colours and bill of a Kookaburra in a Jay-sized body, they'd have the whimsically-named Whiskeyjack. Also known by its less colourful aliases of Canada Jay and Gray Jay, we saw no fewer than six of Canada's official national birds at Manning Park's Lightning Lake, where they would boldly descend on picnic tables in the hopes of free handouts.

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

WWN Saucy Grey Jay in the Fir

Eat your greens! This Eastern Cottontail Rabbit knows what's good for it, and there's plenty of vegetable matter to snack on at Surrey's Elgin Heritage Park. Photographed in the mid-July 2016.

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

Profile of an Eastern Cottontail Rabbit Photo Print

Katie is a glove-trained American Kestrel and a former pet. As she has depended on humans from chickhood, she cannot hunt for herself in the wild. Photographed on an Orphaned Wildlife Rehabilitation Society open house weekend.

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

A Beautiful American Kestrel Magnet

Cuteness on Parade: Canada Goose Goslings Mug

Cuteness on Parade: Canada Goose Goslings Wall Decal

Cuteness on Parade: Canada Goose Goslings Doormat

The newest faces at the local wildlife habitat--namely, week old Canada Goose goslings--were parading their absolute adorability for the human visitors to oooh and aww over.

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

WWN March of the Goslings

Funny Cute Sulfur-Crested Cockatoo Waves Hello Pillar Candle

Funny Sulfur-Crested Cockatoo Parrot Bird Waves Large Christmas Stocking

Funny Sulfur-Crested Cockatoo Parrot Bird Waves Metal Lunch Box

Sulfur-Crested Cockatoo Parrot Bird Waves Mouse Pad

Sulfur-Crested Cockatoo Waves at the Photographer Glass Coaster

Funny Sulfur-Crested Cockatoo Parrot Bird Waves Adult Cloth Face Mask

This friendly Sulfur-Crested Cockatoo is styling its crest (but actually looks like it's waving at the photographer).

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

Cute Soldier Beetle Bug on False Dragonhead Postcard

Cute Soldier Beetle Bug on False Dragonhead Postcard

More from Walks with Nature

Other postcards from various stores