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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.

Profile of a Barrow's Goldeneye Magnet

My second visit to the Maplewood Conservation Area in North Vancouver produced meetings with not two, but six blacktail deer in a clearing ... four fawns and two does who seemed completely at ease with the small group of photographers in their midst. The younger ones seemed almost as curious about the humans as we were about them! This fawn was extremely happy to be alive, bounding in a very Bambi-esque manner through the forest! Photographed in late August 2016.

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

Funny Young Blacktail Deer Smiles at Photographer Magnet

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 and Serene Snowy Owl Magnet

After sitting outside for an hour and a half as the afternoon snow fell quickly and in fat clumps this afternoon, this beautiful male Varied Thrush finally ventured to the bowl of the seed on the ground. Occasionally, he would look up and gaze in my direction before resuming his meal. After eating his fill (and keeping the other, smaller songbirds at bay), he returned to flipping leaf litter under the thicket. My first time photographing a Varied Thrush in the snow. Taken in early February 2017. 

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

Beautiful Varied Thrush Songbird in the Snow 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

A White-Crowned Sparrow welcomes the day (and enchants its rapt listeners) with a simple but sweet song. As spring turns into summer, we see more and more of this beautiful songbird, who often forages solo, too.

A White-Crowned Sparrow Sings to the Sun Magnet

Vignetted Portrait of Smiling Blacktail Deer Fawn  Magnet

Did I say something funny? Meet Teddy. Looking like he's tossing me a big smile and a sly wink, this friendly Pommie of the Lawn is a real character. Fur that hasn't quite grown back the right way, and the lack of an eye hasn't stopped this energetic little guy from pursuing life to the fullest. 

He's no attention hound; show up at his place, and he'll give you an effusive 30-second greeting punctuated by happy barks and tailwags--as if he's seen you for the very first time--and in less than a minute, he'll settle down to his favorite bone, completely oblivious to your presence.

With his prodigious winter fur, I am leaning towards one of two theories: that this Pomeranian may be part Chow Chow or part lion.

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

Winking Chuckling Funny Dog Keychain

Spotted Towhee Sparrow in Autumn Leaf Litter Mouse Pad

Profile of a Spotted Towhee Round Pillow

I'd hardly call a Spotted Towhee a cute little bird. The red eyes on this large sparrow are mesmerizing and can best be described as eerie; and the black, white, reddish-brown plumage it wears all year round are "power colours". Photographed at Stanley Park's Lost Lagoon on a chilly afternoon in late November 2015.

This photo was selected by the Cornell Lab of Ornithology, to be featured in its "Backyard Birds and Blossoms" Coloring Book (release date Spring 2017). 

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

WWN Spotted Towhee in the Autumn Leaf Litter

Adorable Rufous Hummingbird on Branch

Adorable Rufous Hummingbird on Branch Photo Print

Adorable Rufous Hummingbird on Branch 3 Ring Binder

Adorable Rufous Hummingbird on Branch Hip Flask

Adorable Rufous Hummingbird on Branch Mini Binder

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

WWN Rufous Hummingbird on the Hybrid Fruit Tree

Add a touch of nature to every room in your home with this wildlife-themed switchplate cover! The perfect choice for bird lovers!

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 Light Switch Cover

Add color and a touch of nature to your walls with this floral-themed wall art hanging!

Though they last but a few short months, these annuals dazzle with an eclectic display of vivid colors, shapes, and sizes.

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

A Colorful Pastiche of Summer Annual Flowers Acrylic Print

You'd never guess, from her playful and youthful manner, that Stella is actually 10 to 12 years older than she looks! This indoor sweetie is as likely to cuddle up to the laps of strangers as she is to those of her regular pair of humans, but she knows how to puts her paw down as far as dogs (especially big dogs) are concerned.

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

Profile of Stella the Gray Cat Keychain

Add a touch of nature to the living room with this floral-themed lampshade cover.  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.

Lily of the Incas / Yellow Alstroemeria Tripod Lamp

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

This lovely profusion of small white flowers was found decorating the main "square" of the VanDusen Botanical Garden.  Bridal Wreath Spirea is relatively easy to care for, but can grow up to 10 feet tall and wide if not pruned.

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

Profile of a Barrow's Goldeneye Magnet

Profile of a Barrow's Goldeneye Magnet

More from Walks with Nature

Other magnets from various stores