Personalized Gifts

 Invitations & Stationery

 Postcards

A chance and (relatively close) encounter with one of several harbor seals on a chilly autumn morning on the White Rock Pier. This especially bold periscoping pinniped was less than 15 feet away from the floating dock, checking out the status of the crab pots nearby. Photographed in mid November 2019.

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

Funny Harbor Seal Periscopes by Pier Dock Postcard

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

Sanderling Sandpiper Dines on Clam at Beach Postcard

A vigilant juvenile Anna's hummingbird keeps watch in one of our backyard fruit trees, vigorously guarding flower and nectar feeder against the (feathered) competition. Not even an extra-long camera lens can keep this little bruiser away. Photographed in late May 2018.

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

Watchful Anna's Hummingbird on the Fruit Tree Postcard

Mid-summer is the time of the season for lilies, and my first quintet of large, homegrown fuchsia-hued Stargazer hybrid Oriental Lilies don't disappoint. A wonderfully delicate embodiment of curves and colors! Photographed against a backdrop of feathery asparagus stalks in mid-August 2017.

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

Elegant Floral Medley of Stargazer Oriental Lilies Postcard

I finally got the opportunity to photograph the cheerily colored American Goldfinch. When he isn't eating sunflower or nyjer seeds, the male likes to perch on the bamboo poles that serve as stakes for the potted plants; in this photo, he's on the unedo bush. Photographed in the second week of June 2016.

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

American Goldfinch Songbird on Arbutus Tree Postcard

2017 seems to be the year of Wilson's Warblers, and our backyard has not been exempt from the presence of these small but cheery yellow warblers. The energetic black-capped males have been exploring every potted plant and fruit tree and singing their uplifting melodies. This handsome guy paused on the cherry tree just long enough for me to get him in all his golden goodness. Photographed in mid-May 2017.

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

Beautiful Wilson's Warbler Songbird in Cherry Tree Postcard

Up to 20 of these diminutive but fearless sandpipers were braving choppy waters and 14-foot morning high tides on a sunny and unseasonably warm New Year's Day 2020, to pluck the anchovies that the pounding surf was constantly washing up on the shore just off the White Rock Pier. With their dark eyes, round heads, dainty bills, and plump bodies, Black Turnstones are fascinating creatures to watch.

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

Stunning Black Turnstone Shorebird on the Rock Postcard

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 Shorebird on Shore Postcard

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

Whilst on my second excursion to find and photograph the elusive and rare-for-our-area bird, a gorgeous adult male Acorn Woodpecker, I chanced upon two furry new friends at Ladner Harbor Park: a couple of adorable and oh so well behaved Papillon dogs, a very old Belgian/French breed of parti-color toy spaniels so named for their elegant, butterfly-like ears. Not long after this serendipitous meeting, we did find the Acorn Woodpecker less than 100 yards away. Photographed in early October 2022.  

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

Cute Papillon Toy Spaniels Dogs at the Dock Jigsaw Puzzle

Beautiful Marsh Wren Songbird in the Marshes Glass Coaster

Profile of a Beautiful Marsh Wren Serving Tray

Profile of a Beautiful Marsh Wren Songbird Light Switch Cover

Profile of a Beautiful Marsh Wren Wall Sticker

Profile of a Beautiful Marsh Wren Throw Pillow

My first encounter with a Marsh Wren, who was charming me with an enchanting and complex aria at the local wildlife refuge. These little birds are heard much, much more often than they are seen.

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

WWN Beautiful Marsh Wren in the Reeds

Add a touch of nature with this wildlife-themed wall hanging that features the inspirational quote "birdsong is the story of creation." The perfect choice for bird lovers! 

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 and poetry of W.H. Sim. All Rights Reserved. See more at zazzle.com/walkswithnature

Inspirational "Birdsong is the Story of Creation" Canvas Print

Profile of a Buff-Breasted Sandpiper at the Beach Canvas Print

Profile of a Buff-Breasted Sandpiper at the Beach Wall Sticker

An unusual bird to see in Metro Vancouver during the fall migratory bird season, this Buff-Breasted Sandpiper was one of two I had the opportunity to photograph up close, and one of five spotted here in 2016. Like the Sanderling, the BBSA is exceedingly comfortable around humans. 

The BBSA is special for another reason: fewer than 80,000 individuals are estimated worldwide (per data from migration sites and its allaboutbirds.org/guide/Buff-breasted_Sandpiper/id profile; actual figures are difficult to obtain, as it does not always exhibit nest fidelity), making it a Near Threatened species. Its dainty, dove-like head, short bill, and buff coloration make it one of the easier peeps to identify. It is a transcontinental bird, flying northwards to breed in the arctic, and wintering in South America.

Rather comically, this one spent some time chasing the other one off. Apparently, it wanted the attention of the photographers all to itself! When it wasn't hogging the limelight, it made sure every lens was trained on it -- regardless of what it was doing -- foraging, resting on the grass, or grooming its feathers. Photographed in late August 2016.

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

WWN Buff-Breasted Sandpiper at Low Tide

Add a touch of whimsy to the kitchen or dining room with this striking sandstone coaster. 

This pose is the cat's meow! This neighbourhood cat has been very neighbourly since summer 2014 ... visiting regularly for her dose of birdwatching, cuddles, and saucer of milk. Here she is, posing next to the camellia leaves on a wet and gloomy day.  "Sweetie" is one affectionate kitty ... she has been known to leap up onto complete strangers' laps for a nap! 

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

The Whimsical Cat and the Camellia Coaster

Slate-Colored Dark-Eyed Junco on the Pear Tree Button

Slate-Colored Dark-Eyed Junco on the Pear Tree Hoodie

Slate-Colored Dark-Eyed Junco on the Pear Tree Tote Bag

Slate-Colored Dark-Eyed Junco on the Pear Tree Placemat

Slate-Colored Dark-Eyed Junco on the Pear Tree Golf Head Cover

The first full day of snow in Metro Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, saw many fluffed up songbirds in the backyard perched on the fruit trees for most of the day, including at least two Cassiar Dark-Eyed Juncos (an intergrade of Slate-Colored and Oregon varieties), like this chubby little number here.  Photographed on December 9, 2016.

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

WWN Slate-Colored/Oregon Dark-Eyed Junco on the Pear Tree

Wear down your opponent with the cuteness of this whimsical, feline-themed pickleball paddle! Use the current meme / catchphrase or substitute with your own!

This pose is the cat's meow! This neighbourhood cat has been very neighbourly since summer 2014 ... visiting regularly for her dose of birdwatching, cuddles, and saucer of milk. Here she is, posing next to the camellia leaves on a wet and gloomy day.

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

Funny Harbor Seal Periscopes by Pier Dock Postcard

Funny Harbor Seal Periscopes by Pier Dock Postcard

More from Walks with Nature

Other postcards from various stores