Personalized Gifts

 Crafts & Party Supplies

 Gift Wrapping Supplies

 Wrapping Paper

The start of the growing season means the return of the diminutive but feisty Rufous Hummingbirds to Metro Vancouver. From March through August, their presence means increased competition for nectar feeders and flowers for the resident Anna's hummingbirds. This fellow was one of five Rufouses to visit the Richmond Nature Park regularly on an early spring day. We witnessed extremely vocal and physical territorial disputes (which were, rather comically, inversely proportional to the size of the combatants). Photographed on April 4, 2016.

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

Profile of a Rufous Hummingbird Wrapping Paper

One of several Black-Capped Chickadees patronizing the backyard feeders. I managed to catch this little one perched on the pear tree and catching a bit of afternoon sun, with the blush of autumn behind it (courtesy of the neighbor's giant red maple tree). Photographed in late October 2017.

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

Black-Capped Chickadee on Autumn Red Background Wrapping Paper

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 July 2016 at a local public garden.

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

Elegant Floral Pot Yellow Marigold Flowers Wrapping Paper

A hungry 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

Cute Hopeful Black-Capped Chickadee Songbird Wrapping Paper

My attempt to photograph a Rufous hummingbird feeding from the hot pink fuschia flowers on a sunny evening in late June 2016 ultimately proved to be fruitless ... but this Western Tiger Swallowtail butterfly who came to pose in its stead was a wonderful consolation prize!

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

Beautiful Western Tiger Swallowtail Butterfly Wrapping Paper

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

Beautiful Semipalmated Plover at the Beach Wrapping Paper

Flamingoes aren’t naturally coloured pink or orange — they are grey or white, but thanks to a diet that’s extremely rich in betacarotene, they glow with amazing titian hues.

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

Flamingo in the Summer Sun Wrapping Paper

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

Portrait of a Short-Eared Owl in the Marshes Wrapping Paper

Add a touch of nature to the kitchen or dining room with this wildlife-themed sandstone coaster. Perfect for bird lovers!

Normally, I’d prefer not to show photos with cages, but it’s less distracting in the case of these subjects because of my distance from both them and the bars. This gorgeous pair of Golden Eagles is being rehabilitated at the Orphaned Wildlife Rehabilitation Society (O.W.L.) for eventual release back into the wild.

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

Vignetted Golden Eagles Birds of Prey Coaster

Mid-autumn brings the return of Buffleheads to the George C. Reifel Migratory Bird Sanctuary. While one or two of these diminutive ducks will partake of the birdseed thrown in the water, the rest generally keep their distance from humans and the other duck species.
 
Based on the original photography of W.H. Sim. All Rights Reserved. See more at zazzle.com/walkswithnature

Male Bufflehead in the Afternoon Sun

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

Add a touch of nature to your coffee, tea, or favourite hot drink with this floral-themed mug, which features a trio of yellow and pink daylilies isolated on a black background. Photographed in mid-July 2018 at a private garden at sunset. 

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

Elegant Trio of Yellow Pink Daylilies Floral Mug

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

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 Floral Medley of Primulas Jigsaw Puzzle

Meet Ela, Teddy's high-maintenance girlfriend. Unlike him, she is an attention-seeking sweetie, and her fur is the picture of perfection. Meeting you at the gates isn't enough; this dainty, but seldom still Pomeranian will make sure that you dole out scratches and cuddles to her as often as possible, which is all the time. 

She is the happiest when she's the center of everyone's attention, which is also all the time. This has made her My Little Shadow on many occasions, but she is nimble enough to not actually get underfoot and become a speed bump.

Every time I tried to get closer to her or crouch down to take a photo at her level, she would start walking towards me (to the amusement of all her human cohorts).

Adorable Pomeranian Dog

Add a touch of nature to your golf game with this floral-themed club head cover!

This stunning bearded iris germanica amazed me with a multi-colored splendor of red, yellow, and white. Photographed in early June 2017.

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

Profile of a Rufous Hummingbird Wrapping Paper

Profile of a Rufous Hummingbird Wrapping Paper

More from Walks with Nature

Other wrapping paper from various stores