One of the most common (and largest) birds seen in Metro Vancouver, Great Blue Herons can be found in marshes, mudflats, the shorelines of local beaches, and even roadside ditches all year round. They are normally solitary birds, but once in a while, we'll encounter rookeries, usually during the breeding season, when "conventions" of these large shorebirds gather; they may number anywhere from 25 to over 100 individuals of various ages. This individual was feeding quite close to the main walking trail of Boundary Bay Regional Park. Photographed in early August 2016.

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

Great Blue Heron Bird in Flight 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

A curious and very active Ruby-Crowned Kinglet explores a fruit-laden hawthorn bush (not for the berries, but for insects!) on a fine autumn afternoon. Photographed in early November 2020.

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

Cute Ruby-Crowned Kinglet Songbird on Bush Postcard

My closest encounter with a magnificent male Pileated Woodpecker, who was busy carving out a hole in a very tall tree. Rather than be spooked by the presence of a photographer nearby, this largest of North American woodpeckers would stop briefly to see who was rustling the dead leaves on the forest floor, and then resume his woodworking activities. Photographed on Galiano Island in the early evening of July 3, 2017.

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

Beautiful Pileated Woodpecker on the Tree Postcard

It's not a Pacific Northwest winter unless you see the Varied Thrush. One of my favorite backyard birds to see (and a highly elusive one at that), this songbird has a stunning beauty to match the hauntingly beautiful timbre of its song. This handsome fellow was foraging in the backyard with several other wintering birds when I photographed him from the second floor--giving me a rare bird's eye view of t him. We almost never see them during the summer when they spend that season northwards in Alaska, but the call of the colder seasons of the year brings them back to us. Photographed in mid-January 2017.

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

Stunning Varied Thrush Songbird on Lawn Postcard

Maybe it's just me, but whenever I see a male White-Winged Scoter, the resemblance between this black seaduck and one of main nemeses of a certain popular comic book hero is immediate and unmistakeable. The white Viking horn patches surrounding those pale eyes seem to connote something sinister. :) Much smaller flocks of this less (nasally) flamboyant (and more paparazzi shy) cousin of the Surf Scoter could be seen plying the waters of the White Rock Pier on a chilly but sunny morning in early November 2019.

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

Stunning White-Winged Scoter Duck at Pier's Edge Postcard

Extremely tolerant of the long lens pointed at her from some six feet away, a female Rufous Hummingbird--a regular backyard visitor--sits on twining grape and kiwi vines in the cool of a mid-spring evening.

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

Beautiful Rufous Hummingbird on Twining Vines Postcard

Who ya calling a turkey? I spotted this handsome male Ring-Necked Pheasant foraging in the oddest of places ... not a marsh or wild woodland habitat, but the green well-maintained grass of a heritage air park! He did not seem concerned that a couple of camera lenses was trained on him, but, from time to time, would stand up on his legs, flap his wings, and give his best rooster impression, before returning to the task of foraging. On a rather birdless day, hearing this elusive gamebird vocalize and seeing him displaying those impressive bright red wattles really made my day. Photographed on Good Friday 2017.

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

Flustered Ring-Necked Pheasant in Grass Postcard

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

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

What you choose to build anticipation of a gift with is just as important as the gift itself. This gift bag, which features perhaps the cutest of all Spitz dogs, the enthusiastic little package known as the Pomeranian, is perfect for pet and dog lovers.

Ella the Pomeranian was so happy to be the focus of attention that she forgot (for once) to run to the photographer, and instead cracked a smile for me. Photographed in late June 2018.

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

Cute Laughing Pomeranian Dog Large Gift Bag

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

Stunning Profile of an Adult Bald Eagle Post-it Notes

Festive Red White Floral Poinsettias Tissue Paper

Festive Red White Floral Poinsettias Pickleball Paddle

Festive Red White Floral Poinsettias Mug

Festive Red White Floral Poinsettias Poker Cards

Festive Red White Floral Poinsettias Adult Cloth Face Mask

Give special items and keepsakes pride of place over the Christmas holiday season with this festive, floral-themed trinket tray, which features striking red and cream-colored poinsettias. Customize with a name or surname.

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

WWN Festive Red & White Poinsettias

Use this elegant, floral-themed tile to protect delicate surfaces, tables, and countertops from hot pots, or as accent pieces for the dining room, kitchen, or anywhere else in the home!

This royal purple bearded iris caught the setting sun and my eye, just as I was leaving a private garden on a very warm spring evening in late May 2017.

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

Beautiful Purple Bearded Iris in the Afternoon Sun Ceramic Tile

A presumed hobby farm escapee, this adult male Mandarin Duck has been seen in the company of the Wood Ducks of Piper Spit. He has called Burnaby Lake home since he was first spotted in 2018. His stunning pastiche of ruffs, dazzling color palette, and "fins" make him such a dreamboat to photograph. Mother Nature left nothing to the artist's imagination when she made this creature! Photographed at Burnaby Lake in early March 2020.

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

Great Blue Heron Bird in Flight Postcard

Great Blue Heron Bird in Flight Postcard

More from Walks with Nature

Other products from various stores