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After meeting one of his "brothers" on Iona Island last weekend, I hardly expected to come face to face with another male Northern Harrier -- but there he was, flying over and seeking *us* out after having feasted handsomely a few minutes before. 

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

Profile of a Northern Harrier Flask

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

Adorable Rufous Hummingbird on Branch Flask

One of my favourite birds to photograph, and one of the most elusive as well. This lovely male Varied Thrush was a bit stunned but none the worse for wear after flying into a window, but he chose to take five on the cherry tree -- giving me time to capture his beauty from the upper floor sunroom, some 15 feet away.

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

Beautiful Varied Thrush Songbird in the Tree Flask

The only Rufous Hummingbird I was able to locate -- and photograph at Iona Island on March 25, 2016. He flashed his stunning gorget very briefly -- unfortunately, too short a time for me to get a shot of it, but he was quite "faithful" to the lower trees in this area, returning to his perches within half a minute of leaving them. He was still there, holding a small number of photographers spellbound, after we had walked the length of the North Jetty.

He made no scratchy metallic noises while perched, but did treat us to the distinctive zinging that his wing feathers make in flight, and even a few dives, clearly demonstrating the acoustic differences between the acoustic tail feather squeaks of a Rufous hummingbird and Anna's hummingbird.

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

Male Rufous Hummingbird in the Spotlight Hip Flask

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.

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

Elegant Crested Iris White Floral Flask

By mid-May 2016, the Reifel Migratory Bird Sanctuary on Westham Island had already hosted 10 fledged Barn Swallows! I can usually find at least a couple of them who like to hang around the Warming Hut, as curious about the photographers behind the long lenses as we are about them. Always a pleasure to make the acquaintance of these colourful aerialists!

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

Beautiful Barn Swallow on a Branch Flask

The Northern Saw Whet Owl is one of the smallest owls native to North America, and its diminutiveness, combined with those oversized black eyes, might make you think that it is, at first glance, a plush toy!

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

Cute Little Northern Saw Whet Owl Hip Flask

It isn't very often that I get a Savannah Sparrow to pose right under my nose, but this one did, and didn't fly away like the ones who get unintentionally flushed by walkers at Boundary Bay Regional Park. 

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

An Inquisitive Savannah Sparrow Hip Flask

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; in this photo, he's on the unedo bush. 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

American Goldfinch Songbird on Arbutus Tree Postcard

Handsome Stranger Eurasian Wigeon Duck at the Pond Face Mask

Coy Smiling Eurasian Wigeon Duck at the Pond Coaster

Handsome Stranger in Town Eurasian Wigeon Classic Round Sticker

Handsome Stranger Eurasian Wigeon Duck at the Pond Mouse Pad

Handsome Stranger in Town Eurasian Wigeon Pillar Candle

Handsome Stranger in Town Eurasian Wigeon Large Gift Bag

What you choose to build anticipation of a gift with is just as important as the gift itself. This gift bag, which features a close encounter with a coy male Eurasian Wigeon at the local pond, is great for nature lovers.

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

WWN Coy Eurasian Wigeon at the Pond

Greet family, friends, and other visitors to your home with this whimsical, wildlife-themed welcome mat that encourages one and all to make tracks to your door! Personalize with the family name or greeting as desired.

Sanderlings are tiny -- and surprisingly, quite approachable -- migratory shorebirds that can be found on Vancouver beaches in the winter months. This one was strolling quite leisurely on the shoreline in its "winter wear" (non-breeding plumage), completely at ease with the photographer. Taken on a very sunny and busy winter afternoon at Boundary Bay Regional Park in 2014. 

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

Cute Sanderling Sandpiper Strolls Wintry Shores Doormat

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

A closeup of a gorgeous young male Golden Eagle, who immediately proved restless and eager to fly free from his handler and exhibitor. My first encounter with this species. 

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

Vision of a Beautiful Young Golden Eagle Light Switch Cover

Adorable Baby Canada Geese on the Grass Wall Sticker

Adorable Baby Canada Geese on the Grass

An adorable flock of very young Canada Goose goslings--perhaps hatched just a few days ago--from the first crop of feathered babies at Burnaby Lake / Piper Spit forages on the grass on a sunny spring day. Despite the human traffic in the area, its parents were, surprisingly, very uncharacteristically relaxed and unprotective of their small brood. Photographed in late April 2017.

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

WWN Eat Your Greens, Goslings!

Add a little character to the office -- or office party -- with this wildlife-themed tie.  About 4 of the 10 Horned Grebes we spotted at Blackie Spit were swimming and diving uncharacteristically close to the main walking path of Crescent Beach -- close for Horned Grebes, that is (about 20-30 feet away). The fishing was obviously quite good near shore. My closest encounter with these birds. They are exhibiting neither the flamboyant yellow horns nor red-and-black breeding plumage during this season, but those red eyes and dapper tux are nonetheless mesmerizing!

Profile of a Horned Grebe Tie

Add a touch of nature to leisure time with this nature-themed dartboard, which features a trio of yellow and pink daylilies isolated on a black background.

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

Profile of a Northern Harrier Flask

Profile of a Northern Harrier Flask

More from Walks with Nature

Other flasks from various stores