Although I have met the brown morph, albinistic, and white mottled with black varieties of rock pigeon, this is my first encounter with a domestic dark morph variety of Rock Pigeon. Photographed in July 2016 at Ladner's Wellington Point Park, a common "gathering place" for these birds.

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

Domestic Rock Pigeon (Dark Morph) Cards

A most enchanting discovery in the California Lilac on the front lawn in mid-April 2017-- a young female Rufous Hummingbird, guarding "her" nectar feeder and gaining some protection from this large, cage-like bush. These migratory hummingbirds spend their spring and summer "vacation" in the Pacific Northwest, and, although smaller than the resident Anna's hummingbirds, are far feistier, often chasing the latter out of their territories for the duration of their five-month stay in the Northern Hemisphere.

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

Rufous Hummingbird Sitting in the California Lilac Cards

These Tree Swallow nestlings are just about ready to fledge and take wing in the big wide world outside their nestbox, which is getting a bit crowded now they're almost full grown. I got the attention of the one on the left, and a few moments later, its sibling decided that I was worth a look, too, and also poked its head through the entrance opening!

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

Cute Baby Tree Swallow Songbirds in Nestbox Cards

Our resident adult male Anna's hummingbird has never let me photograph him at close range, but on one evening in late May 2016, he came to sit on one of the old plum tree branches, just a few feet away from me. 

Perhaps, after seeing how comfortable the four visiting Rufous hummingbirds were around me, he probably figured that there wasn't anything scary about me -- and that I might even afford him some protection from the little hellraisers. So rather than being on the receiving end of his metallic scratchy or tick-tick-tick calls, he stared for a few moments into my lens, and then went to feed from the nectar feeder before making a much less frenzied exit than was his usual style.

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

Stunning Anna's Hummingbird on Plum Tree Greeting Cards

Birding just a small clearing of forest in Minnekhada Regional Park in late May 2016 yielded two new bird species for my life list, including this Red-Breasted Sapsucker, who chose to fly to a dead tree as I was photographing some other birds. This handsome woodpecker did not call -- but its bright red head did all the talking for it. It was all I could do not to stop and stare.

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

Meeting a Red-Breasted Sapsucker Cards

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 on a Branch Cards

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

Coyly flashing the photographer an enigmatic Mona Lisa smile while looking the supreme picture of calm and serenity, this Peking Duck (one of three escapees) preens its snow white feathers leisurely on the waters of a very busy Burnaby Lake/Piper Spit in late January 2019.

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

Peking Duck Smiling a Mona Lisa Smile in the Sun Cards

Add a touch of festive inspiration and warmth to any room with this floral-themed candle. 

Poinsettias are most often associated with Christmas, and, 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 Poinsettias Pillar Candle

Like rodgersia, California Buckeye is a big draw for butterflies. I had no shortage of opportunities to capture Swallowtail Butterflies working these tiny flowers for their nectar. Photographed in mid-June 2016.

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

Swallowtail Butterfly on Buckeye Flower Postcard

Add a touch of nature with this wildlife-themed wall hanging. The perfect choice for bird lovers! 

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 Canvas Print

Add a little character to the office -- or office party -- with this forest-themed tie.

My mid-morning stroll through an old-growth forest in mid-June 2016 led me to one of those simple, yet breathtaking wonders of nature: the sight of sun-dappled shadows painted on the leaves of trees that have existed centuries before my time. The interplay of dark and light has always fascinated me.

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

Sun-Dappled Leaves in the Forest Tie

A young sub-adult male Anna's hummingbird was taking five in the scarlet firethorn next to its pommes on an unseasonably prolonged cold snap. Unlike most other birds who frequent this bush in the fall and winter, he didn't seem to mind that I wrestled the window open (however softly I did it), and took a few shots of him next to the bunch of berries that's almost as big as he is. Photographed in mid-December 2016.

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

Anna's Hummingbird with Orange Pyracantha Berries Postcard

Add a little character to the office -- or office party -- with this whimsical, wildlife-themed tie.  

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 on a Branch Tie

Celebrate nature with these elegant, wildlife-themed sticky notes, which feature the regal profile of a Bald Eagle. 

The biggest eagle in North America is an extremely common sight in Metro Vancouver; I can see 100 or more in any given day. Their nests--also the largest of any bird in North America--are amazing to see, with or without any inhabitants in them; I have seen many built in tall trees and even some on the tops of transmission towers.

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

Domestic Rock Pigeon (Dark Morph) Cards

Domestic Rock Pigeon (Dark Morph) Cards

More from Walks with Nature

Other products from various stores