Sometimes a mistake can be the path to a new technique. This delicate beauty, known as Iris Japonica, was actually photographed outdoors under natural daylight after I forgot to reset shutter speed and aperture settings from the previous photo. 

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

Iris Japonica in the Spotlight Magnet

This beautiful young Peregrine Falcon gave a rapt and admiring audience a brief but dramatic show of the hunting prowess and skills that have made her species one of the oldest, and most popular choices in falconry.

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

Profile of a Juvenile Peregrine Falcon Magnet

A newly adult Canada Goose grooms itself at Piper Spit, Burnaby Lake, on a cloudy fall day, the angular and swan-like curve of its neck conveying an almost regal quality to this bird. Although migratory birds in many parts of the world, some Canada Geese are all-year-round residents in Metro Vancouver and the Pacific Northwest. Photographed in early November 2016.

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

Canada Goose on the Lake Magnet

Perched on a fallen log (and living up to his name) is this colorful drake, one of several Wood Duck “fixtures” at Piper Spit. Burnaby Lake is home to the largest concentrations of Wood Ducks–hands down, the most colorful waterfowl you’ll find in Metro Vancouver, Canada.

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

Beautiful Pensive Wood Duck in the Marsh Magnet

They're not juniper berries, but this bird--which is rarely seen here in the Metro Vancouver area--clearly isn't finicky when it comes to winter fruits. This Townsend's Solitaire (another bird for my life list) materialized on our front lawn pyracantha bush on December 9, 2015, but it required two more visits more a week later to finally get proof of this handsome thrush.

Actually, he's drying out his wings after a bath in the summer sun. Wood Ducks are some of the prettiest, most colourful waterfowl I've seen in Metro Vancouver. Comfortable both in the water and on land, they can also be found perched on tree branches--the only species of duck that can do so. 

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

Townsend's Solitaire on the Pyracantha Magnet

The first time I saw this small winged predator, it made its cameo in the backyard, to the dismay of the songbird regulars. Even though I (rather noisily) opened a window of the sunroom to get a shot of it, it made no move to move. Instead, it surveyed the grounds below it and the trees above, almost patiently, and methodically, before turning its bright yellow eyes on the photographer.

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

Gorgeous Sharp-Shinned Hawk Comes A-Callin' Magnet

Cute Hopeful Black-Capped Chickadee Songbird Magnet

An adorable Black-Capped Chickadee looks longingly at the food presented in two different hands, and wonders if it should go for sunflower seeds from hand A or hand B. Decisions, decisions. 

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

WWN Hopeful Black-Capped Chickadee in the Tree

When Bushtits come calling, it's a sudden avalanche of cuteness in the backyard -- because these social songbirds often show up in flocks of 10-30, feed briefly (and co-operatively) on the suet or whatever else they fancy (calling to each other constantly as they do so), and leave as quickly as they came. Once in a while, though, they will stay for 15-30 minutes. I photographed this damp fellow--who was caught in the morning rain--taking a moment to pause on the laurel bush. Some of his fellow Bushtits were actually bathing on the laurel leaves, like hummingbirds do. Photographed in early July 2016.

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

Cute Wet Young Bushtit Songbird on the Laurel Magnet

After two years of trying, 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. 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

Male American Goldfinch on the Bamboo Classic Round Sticker

Add a touch of nature to the bedroom or living room with this wildlife-themed throw. The perfect choice for  bird lovers! 

I missed seeing one of these tiny plovers in the summer, but my subject, in its non-breeding plumage, is no less beautiful for it! A rare sight for this time of the year (usually these dainty-looking shorebirds are already wintering along the coasts of the Southwestern U.S., Central America, and South America), this Semipalmated Plover was frequenting the shores of Boundary Bay at Centennial Beach during high tide, in (almost) mid-December, along with a flock of Dunlins and Sanderlings on a surprisingly sunny (and warm-for-almost-winter) day.

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

Semipalmated Plover Shorebird at the Beach Throw Pillow

Add a touch of nature to any room with this wildlife-themed wall hanging.  

Two of a dozen of Harlequin Ducks I had the fortune of meeting at the beach, and my closest encounter with these diving sea ducks. Interestingly, all were adult males in near or full breeding plumage and showing off their slate grey, white, and rich cinnamon feathers, but there were no ladies of their own kind to impress. Photographed on the first full day of spring 2017.
 
Based on the original photography of W.H. Sim. All Rights Reserved. See more at zazzle.com/walkswithnature

Beautiful Harlequin Ducks on the Rocks Canvas Print

Add a touch of nature to the living room, bedroom, and even picnics and outdoor events with this floral-themed fleece blanket! 

Strikingly colored winterberries have already ripened by late fall at the Boundary Bay Wildlife Management Area in Delta, British Columbia, Canada. One can't help but be dazzled by the scarlet masses of this deciduous holly tree, which keep their crimson hues all the way through winter (if they haven't already been eaten by birds).

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

Bright Red Winterberries Holly Tree Berries Fleece Blanket

Use this wildlife-themed trivet to protect delicate surfaces, tables, and countertops from hot pots, or as an accent piece for the dining room or kitchen.

Katie is a glove-trained American Kestrel and a former pet. As she has depended on humans from chickhood, she cannot hunt for herself in the wild. Photographed on an Orphaned Wildlife Rehabilitation Society open house weekend.

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

A Beautiful American Kestrel Falcon Trivet

Make pjs, bedroom decor, bags, and so much more with this fabric that features Bewick's Wrens. The first time I've had the opportunity to shoot a Bewick's Wren out in the open, and at fairly close range. This beautiful long-tailed songbird must have sensed that I wanted to photograph it, and returned my curiosity with its own by posing on this branch for a few moments. Photographed in January 2017.

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

A Curious Bewick's Wren in the Tree Fabric

Add a touch of nature to your travels with this wildlife-themed luggage tag. The perfect choice for bird lovers!

I can't think of any other bird that reminds me more of winter in Metro Vancouver than the charming Snow Bunting. I'm not sure why this sweet, restless, and solitary male was not in the company of his nine-member flock, but I'm glad to spot him, regardless. My last attempt to find him ended in success, just as I was about to try my luck elsewhere.

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

Iris Japonica in the Spotlight Magnet

Iris Japonica in the Spotlight Magnet

More from Walks with Nature

Other products from various stores