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I was privy to a very special moment in late May 2016 when I saw this Greater Sandhill Crane father, a veteran parent, searching for wood bugs with his 3-day-old colt. It's hard to believe that such a small creature could grow up into one of the largest bird species found in Metro Vancouver!

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

Greater Sandhill Crane Father and Child Postcard

Perfectly reflected in the tranquil waters of this pond is this Northern Pintail drake. They may be most commonly seen in West Coast winters, but I've encountered these ducks almost all year round at the Reifel Migratory Bird Sanctuary.

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

Reflections of a Northern Pintail Duck Postcard

Sometimes a mistake can be the path to a new technique. This Crested Iris was actually photographed outdoors under natural daylight after I forgot to reset shutter speed and aperture settings from the previous photo--which turned out to be perfect for highlighting its delicate petals. 

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

Elegant Floral Crested Iris Shaga Postcard

It's an avalanche of cuteness when a flock of Bushtits descend on the suet feeder in the backyard. However, these hyperactive bundles rarely hold still for a photo. This young fellow was an exception to the rule; while everyone else was busy engaged in feeding on the suet or looking for insects in the trees, he was happy to look pretty on the pear tree, and I was happy to oblige. Photographed in mid-January 2017.

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

Cute Bushtit Songbird on Pear Tree Branch Postcard

Marigolds aren't just eye candy; they've been used for culinary (teas, salads) and medicinal (anti-inflammatory) purposes for hundreds of years in European cultures. These beautiful, aromatic and showy blooms bloom all summer long into fall and even until the first frost. They are a natural mosquito repellent, and may also keep flower munchers like deer from the pride and joy in your garden. Photographed in mid June and mid July 2016 at local public and private gardens.

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

A Medley of Red Yellow and Orange Marigolds Postcard

Mid-summer is the time of the season for lilies, and these delightfully pink Oriental lilies amazed me with their large size, abundance, and delicate beauty. Photographed in early August 2017 at a private garden.

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

Elegant Pink Oriental Lilies 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

With a freshly caught vole clutched in its furry feet, a Short-Eared Owl surveys its hunting grounds for opportunistic Northern Harriers who would not hesitate to take advantage of the fruit of its hunting prowess. Sudden gusts of wind fluff this hunter's head feathers, revealing the short ear tufts for which this owl is named. Photographed on a late afternoon in late November 2017.

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

Stunning Short-Eared Owl with Vole Postcard

Give special items and keepsakes pride of place with this elegant, trinket tray, which features a stunning and colorful medley of osteospermums aka African daisies or daisybushes. These early spring blooming beauties are undisputed works of art that have had both the hand of man and Mother Nature in their creation.

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

Colorful Medley of African Daisies Flowers Trinket Tray

Add a touch of nature to the kitchen or dining room with this wildlife-themed serving tray!  

There's lots to be admired when you're a Hooded Merganser. Crests are your specialty, whether you're the male or the female. The ladies have lovely cinnamon crests, and the gentlemen inflatable black-and-white numbers complemented by a one-size-fits-all black tux for all seasons with a swath of reddish brown on their sides.

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

Meeting of Hooded Merganser Ducks at the Pond Serving Tray

A Black Swan preens itself in the pond during the height of a summer afternoon. Photographed in mid-September 2014.

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

Elegant Stunning Black Swan in the Pond Postcard

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

Beautiful Buff-Breasted Sandpiper at the Beach Photo Print

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 Cat and the Camellia Gel Mouse Pad

This late afternoon closeup of a male Wood Duck ensured that the fading winter sun's rays weren't casting harsh shadows on my subject. This handsome fellow clearly knew that I wanted solos of him, and was more than happy to oblige me with several angles. 

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

Wood Duck on Gravel Magnet

Celebrate the 100th birthday (or any birthday) of a special someone with this elegant floral-inspired guest book, which features a lovely spray of golden alstroemeria. Customize with name, event, and date. Customize back cover message, or use as is. The perfect choice for nature lovers or those with a green thumb!

This particular cultivar of alstroemeria, or Peruvian lily, grows tall and looks great as flower bed plants. They are hardy, breathtaking perennials that bloom from late spring through early summer.

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

Greater Sandhill Crane Father and Child Postcard

Greater Sandhill Crane Father and Child Postcard

More from Walks with Nature

Other postcards from various stores