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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 on a Limb

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 Hawk on a Wire

Being an escapee from an Oregon farm did not diminish the appeal of this adult male Mandarin Duck, whose flight to freedom was rewarded with a constant supply of bird seed and the company of Wood Ducks at Piper Spit. I was gifted with the privilege of his metamorphosis over many agonizingly slow months, as I watched him exchange his post-breeding plumage for the magnificent feathers and stunning color palette that make him a dream to photograph (and a hit with the females of his kind). Mother Nature left nothing to the artist's imagination when she made this creature! Photographed at Burnaby Lake in mid-October 2018.

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

Beautiful Mandarin Duck in the Pond

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

Funny Cute 4 Sanderlings Sandpipers at the Beach

A curious female Bufflehead does a swim by one of the big ponds at the Reifel Migratory Bird Sanctuary to investigate why there is suddenly a big flock of other ducks. Although insects and fish are the staples of their diet, I have noticed that handfuls of birdseed will bring one or two (generally, one male and one female) to investigate and partake of the free food.

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

A Bufflehead Duck Swims By

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

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 Serene Snowy Owl Greeting Card

As with many yellow summer birds on my watch list, I have been pursuing this beautiful warbler and prolific singer for quite some time. Two years ago, I heard his trademark witchety-witchety-witchety birdsong and have since gotten few and frequently shaded glimpses of his rakish black mask and bright yellow breast through local shrubs and bushes. This is the closest I have come to photographing him out in the open.

Beautiful Common Yellowthroat Warbler Songbird

Perhaps the friendliest, most well-behaved bordie collie I've ever had the pleasure of meeting. This gregarious girl introduced herself to us before her owner (retroactively) gave her permission to do so once again. While the humans talked, she neither barked--not even once!--nor chased the wildlife in the local habitat, but went quietly into a nearby field of wildflowers to mug for my lens. After she was sure that I had snapped to my heart's content, she returned to sit at our feet. Realizing that I hadn't reciprocated her greeting with some attention, though, she (rather comically) poked me with a forepaw a few times (in the same way that a 5-year-old child would tug on an adult's arm for attention) until I acquiesced with several well-deserved pats on her head, chuckling to myself that her "gestures" seemed so human! Photographed on October 30, 2016, in Tsawwassen, British Columbia.

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

One Very Friendly Border Collie Classic Round Sticker

Keep the memory of loved ones who have passed on alive and burning bright with these commemorative napkins, which feature 

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

Elegant Satin Flowers on Black Napkins

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-Capped Chickadee on Autumn Red Background Trivet

Stunning Black Oystercatcher Shorebird with Clam Poker Cards

Stunning Black Oystercatcher Shorebird with Clam Trinket Tray

Black Oystercatcher Shorebird Fishing at the Beach Clock

Stunning Black Oystercatcher with Clam Ceramic Tile

Stunning Black Oystercatcher with Clam Magnet

Seafood dining at its best! One of five Black Oystercatchers we spotted on a windy, cloudy day at the Tsawwassen Ferry Jetty over the Great Backyard Bird Count 2017 (Feb 17-20) weekend. The fishing (clamming?) was good ... these shorebirds were hauling in clam after clam after clam!

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

WWN Stunning Black Oystercatcher Shorebird with Clam

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

My second visit to the Maplewood Conservation Area in North Vancouver produced meetings with not two, but six blacktail deer in a forest clearing ... four fawns and two does who seemed completely at ease with the small group of photographers in their midst. The younger ones seemed almost as curious about the humans as we were about them! Photographed in late August 2016.

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

Funny Young Blacktail Deer Smiles at Photographer Jigsaw Puzzle

What you choose to build anticipation of a gift with is just as important as the gift itself. This gift bag, which features a hanging basket of summer annuals, is perfect for nature lovers, gardeners, those with a green thumb, or Mother's Day.

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

A Colorful Pastiche of Summer Annual Flowers Large Gift Bag

Add a touch of nature and whimsy to your tumbler with this floral-themed design!

Wax begonias are popular flowers and long-lasting summertime perennials. The gardener who planted these white, pink, and red varieties had a great eye for color and layout! Photographed in late August 2016 on the outskirts of the UBC Botanical Garden.

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

Dark-Eyed Junco on a Limb

Dark-Eyed Junco on a Limb

More from Walks with Nature

Other cards from various stores