Golden-Crowned Sparrows are one of the most recognizable of yard birds to visit Metro Vancouver in the fall and winter, and the round, orange berries of the pyracantha coccinea (Scarlet Firethorn) have proven to be particularly irresistible to these large, chubby sparrows. I photographed this first winter bird indulging in this "pub favorite" (which has a slightly intoxicating effect on them) in late October 2016.

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

Golden-Crowned Sparrow on the Scarlet Firethorn

A very curious Holstein Friesian pauses to look at us from the Alaksen Wildlife Area as the rest of its herd (obviously responding to a cattle call of some sort) lumbers on without a backward glance. Not exactly what I expected to see while birding the Reifel Migratory Bird Sanctuary in late May 2016, but Westham Island *is* full of farms!!

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

Holy Cow! It's a Holstein Friesian!

This male Pekin Robin decided to satisfy his curiosity of the approaching humans, and flew into a large tropical tree to observe us from under the large leafy cover. Our initial encounter was all too brief and disappointing, but this second meeting yielded the opportunity to study this wonderfully dressed and beautiful singer in much greater detail and length. Our subject must have noticed this, as he was unusually still and not hopping from branch to branch!

An Indian subcontinent native, this Old World babbler is so popular that many other countries want to claim it for their own, and so, it goes by other aliases, including Pekin Robin, Pekin nightingale, Japanese hill robin, and Japanese nightingale. 

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

Colorful Leiothrix / Pekin Robin Songbird

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

Cuteness on Parade: Canada Goose Goslings

It's always a wonderful moment when our subjects seek us out instead of the other way around! A particularly bold American Robin approaches our picnic table to stare at us -- perhaps he was hoping that we had worms or berries with us? Based on the original photography of W.H. Sim. All Rights Reserved. See more at zazzle.com/walkswithnature

A Curious American Robin

The daylilies I have been waiting all summer for: a a trio of yellow and pink beauties isolated on a black background. Photographed in mid-July 2018 at a private garden at sunset. 

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

Elegant Trio of Yellow Pink Daylilies Floral

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

Tulips come in many colours, but these white-and-purple ones really broke the mold. Photographed in one of the flower beds at the top of Queen Elizabeth Park, the site of an extinct volcano.

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

Elegant White Purple Flaming Flag Triumph Tulips

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 Tree Swallow Babies Looking at Big World Postcard

Part brainteaser, part assemble-it-yourself art, this challenging, wildlife-themed puzzle is great for improving muscle memory. Great for nature lovers and budding entomologists!

My first meeting with a Jumping Spider in the sunroom. After seeing various wildlife documentaries and Flickr photos of this eight-eyed arachnid, I was surprised to discover just how small it actually is--no bigger than three grains of long grain rice placed end-to-end!

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

Jumping Spider Jigsaw Puzzle

Funny Cute 4 Sanderlings Sandpipers at the Beach Mini Binder

Funny Cute 4 Sanderlings Sandpipers at the Beach Bath Towel Set

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

WWN A Cute Quartet of Sanderlings / Hanging With My Peeps

Rufous Hummingbirds have usually left Metro Vancouver for Mexico by mid August, so it was a delight to see and photograph this exceedingly feisty straggler in the backyard. This little scrapper has been (successfully, for the past two days) giving grief to the juvenile male Anna's hummingbird who has owned the backyard for most of the summer (as well as the other feathered friends who visit), vigorously defending every flower and feeder in sight. This hybrid fruit tree branch has become its favorite perch, and gave me quite a few photographic opportunities. Photographed on September 4, 2016.

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

Adorable Rufous Hummingbird on Branch Classic Round Sticker

Profile of a Black Oystercatcher Photo Print

Profile of a Black Oystercatcher Gel Mouse Pad

Black Oystercatchers are one of the most approachable shorebirds in Metro Vancouver. Some will even walk right up to you--giving you the chance for lovely photo opportunities. I like this shot because there's a blue background (water) and grey (log) to set off that striking red bill, yellow eye, pink legs, and black and brown plumage.

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

WWN Black Oystercatcher on Beach Driftwood

Add a touch of nature to the bathroom or bedroom with this floral-themed knob, which features a closeup of a purple African Daisy. 

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

Colorful Medley of African Daisies Flowers Ceramic Knob

Add a touch of whimsy and nature to treasured memories and moments with this wildlife-themed binder!  The golfers on the fairway clearly didn't disturb this Eastern Cottontail Rabbit, who was busy munching away on the delicious and well-manicured greens. This one paused to mug for my camera, and then went right back to chewing on its verdant comestibles, unfazed by the attention.

Golden-Crowned Sparrow on the Scarlet Firethorn

Golden-Crowned Sparrow on the Scarlet Firethorn

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