Personalized Gifts

Birding just a small clearing of forest in Minnekhada Regional Park in late May 2016 yielded two new bird species for my life list, including this Red-Breasted Sapsucker, who chose to fly to a dead tree as I was photographing some other birds. This handsome woodpecker did not call -- but its bright red head did all the talking for it. It was all I could do not to stop and stare.

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

Meeting a Red-Breasted Sapsucker

After the time of many showy blooms had passed at the end of July, this lovely ornamental flower, a South African native also known as the River Lily or Crimson Flag, continues to awe and hold its own at the UBC Botanical Garden. 

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

Kaffir Lily / River Lily / Hesperantha Coccinea

On its way to raid the backyard suet feeder, a young, very curious Chestnut-Backed Chickadee pauses to stare at my lens from the grapevine.

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

Cute Curious Chestnut-Backed Chickadee Songbird

Seeing a Downy Woodpecker (usually the female) on the backyard suet feeder isn't unusual. Seeing this male (busy whittling wood here) and his female (unseen, but preening herself nearby) on the pear tree just when we got a spot of sunshine over the Great Backyard Bird Count 2017 (Feb 17-20) weekend, was!

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

Cute Downy Woodpecker on Fruit Tree

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

Profile of a Buff-Breasted Sandpiper at the Beach

Chasing the blue and gold: my first day with the 100mm macro lens. The allure of our front lawn California Lilac in full bloom with hundreds of bluish-purple clusters on the front lawn is irresistible to local honeybees and other pollinators. In fact, this bush resembles a purple beehive in late spring/early summer. 

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

Beautiful Honeybee on the California Lilac

This is the first time I've been to Stanley Park in the autumn. On this chilly day, the waters were swimming with so much waterfowl, including American Wigeons, Black Oystercatchers, Surf Scoters, Hooded Mergansers, Common Mergansers, Harlequin Ducks, Double-Crested Cormorants, the odd Pied-Billed Grebe, and hundreds of Barrow's Goldeneyes. What surprised me was how comfortable (and perhaps, even curious) some of these seabirds were with the various human users (bikers, hikers, dogwalkers), of the Stanley Park Seawall. This is the closest I've gotten to one particularly curious Barrow's Goldeneye.

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

Profile of a Barrow's Goldeneye

Owls are such fascinating creatures. They are front page newsmakers, drawing the interest of birders, nature lovers, and just about everyone else who has a pulse. Snowy Owls are especially charismatic; the largest owls in North America only show up in Metro Vancouver every few years, and their appearance during our winters causes crowds of admirers and fans to form and flock.

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

Beautiful Dreamy Serene Snowy Owl Greeting Card

Raise a toast to nature with this floral-themed can cooler, which features a stunning medley of primulas. These bicolor, early spring blooming beauties beckoned me with their dazzlingly vivid palettes of reds, pinks, purples, and yellows.

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

Colorful Springtime Medley of Primulas Can Cooler

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

A number of these large butterflies were flying through the Boundary Bay Wildlife Management Area during our early evening visit, but this one was "kind" enough to grant us an impromptu studio session for a few minutes while it fluttered and fed from the local flora.

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

Beautiful Anise Swallowtail Butterfly in the Sun Jigsaw Puzzle

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.

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 Trivet

In direct competition with the Cedar Waxwings and lesser-seen Bohemian Waxwings for fruit during the cold times of the season are the familiar American Robins. Perhaps, as a result of the Polar Vortex which has been holding Metro Vancouver in its icy thrall for the past month, I have never before seen so many of these large thrushes in the area during this winter. Photographed in mid-January 2017 at the local wildlife refuge.

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

An American Robin Looks Up Classic Round Sticker

Mesmerizing Golden Eyes of a Spectacled Owl Skateboard

Mesmerizing Golden Eyes of a Spectacled Owl Canvas Print

Mesmerizing Golden Eyes of a Spectacled Owl Clock

Mesmerizing Golden Eyes of a Spectacled Owl Neck Tie

Mesmerizing Golden Eyes of a Spectacled Owl Golf Head Cover

Mesmerizing Golden Eyes of a Spectacled Owl Magnet

My first encounter with this large and beautiful Central and South American native. Although never having met one before, somehow I knew that the bright yellow eyes, white eyebrows, and black patches around the eyes could only belong to the Spectacled Owl.

Based on the original photography of W.H. Sim. All Rights Reserved. See more at [the Walks with Nature store!](https://www.zazzle.com/walkswithnature)

WWN Mesmerizing Golden Eyes of a Spectacled Owl

Take the colors of the fall season with you, wherever you go, with this autumn-themed floral all-over-print tote bag, which features a medley of vibrant red and yellow mini sunflowers. Perfect for nature and outdoor lovers! Personalize with initials and (sur)name.

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

Vivid Autumn Red Yellow Mini Sunflowers Tote Bag

Add a touch of nature and whimsy to your summer or casual attire with these wildlife-themed flip flops! 

The perfect choice for bird lovers! This male Downy Woodpecker announced himself quite vocally with a trademark chip-chip-chip repertoire just before making an appearance on this dead tree. He proceeded to peck away at his perch, oblivious of the solitary camera lens trained on him and the many walkers on the trail.

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

Meeting a Red-Breasted Sapsucker

Meeting a Red-Breasted Sapsucker

More from Walks with Nature

Other personalized gifts from various stores