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The humble but prolific anise hyssop (hummingbird mint) is the flower of choice for hummingbirds, and the ease with which these small fragrant pink (or red or orange) flowers grow makes them popular with honeybees, bumblebees, and many other insects too. Taken earlier in the summer of 2016, when an abundance of visiting Rufous hummingbirds meant more feeding opportunities for these little red birds (and more contenders for the resident Anna's hummingbirds meant more opportunities to photograph the feisty  little migrants and challengers).

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

Rufous Hummingbird Drinking Anise Hyssop Nectar Postcard

With a warm winter and early spring in Metro Vancouver, many flowers and fruits were ripening well ahead of schedule -- including these bright orange mountain ash (rowan) berries, which aren't normally "ready" for the birds to eat until mid-July. Photographed in late June 2016 in Surrey's Elgin Park.

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

Orange Mountain Ash Rowan Berries Postcard

That the Surf Scoters of White Rock Pier are habituated to the presence of humans is a bit of an understatement. This handsome and tame drake and hen pair was one of hundreds of these large black seaducks who routinely passed under the boardwalk during a crisp but sunny morning visit in early November 2019, giving great bird's eye views of that colorful and comically oversized schnoz that the ladies of his kind have found so fascinating for so long.

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

Surf Scoter Paired Ducks at Pier's Edge Postcard

A young sub-adult male Anna's hummingbird was taking five in the scarlet firethorn next to its pommes on an unseasonably prolonged cold snap. Unlike most other birds who frequent this bush in the fall and winter, he didn't seem to mind that I wrestled the window open (however softly I did it), and took a few shots of him next to the bunch of berries that's almost as big as he is. Photographed in mid-December 2016.

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

Anna's Hummingbird with Orange Pyracantha Berries Postcard

If you've been blessed with triplets, then this whimsical and heartwarming baby shower invitation postcard is for you! 

In a cute moment highly reminiscent of another bushtit family gathering from 2016, three young songbird fledglings roost together in the sun-dappled shade of the pear tree, while parents and helpers (older siblings) pick grubs from the leaves nearby, while keeping up a steady stream of conversation. My young subjects were only too willing to oblige for my lens. Photographed in late May 2020.

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

Cute Baby Bushtit Songbirds in Pear Tree Postcard

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 Falling Snow Postcard

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 June and mid July 2016 at local public and private gardens.

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

A Medley of Red Yellow and Orange Marigolds Postcard

My second visit to the Maplewood Conservation Area in North Vancouver produced meetings with not two, but six blacktail deer in a forest clearing ... four fawns and two does who seemed completely at ease with the small group of photographers in their midst. This is one of the two deer families ... a doe with her first year and second year fawns. Photographed in late August 2016.

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

Stunning Trio of Blacktail Deer in the Forest Postcard

Bring a bit of nature with you, wherever you go, with this elegant, wildlife-themed tote! 

It's not a partridge in the pear tree, but I'll take it! This formerly one-time visitor to the backyard has become something of a regular three years later, thanks in large part to the presence of the larger bird feeders installed earlier in 2017. On occasion, he also brings his lady dove for dinner and a date, but he is now quite comfortable around the humans who wander the area. Photographed in early October 2017.

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

Eurasian Collared Dove on the Cherry Tree Tote Bag

Add a little character to the office -- or office party -- with this wildlife-themed tie.  One of two American Kestrels we saw whilst driving through Surrey during BC Family Day 2016. Though not a closeup -- my subject was about 15-20 feet above my head and 25 feet away -- the sun lit him enough to capture his magnificent plumage (another photo I took of his back showed blue and orange wings--confirming his gender). My first sighting in the wild of North America's tiniest falcon, and the first time I have seen the male of the species. It surprised me to learn that insects, not songbirds, are the staples of their diet.

American Kestrel on a Wire Tie

Add a touch of nature to the kitchen or dining room with this whimsical, wildlife-themed glass coaster. 

Although this handsome and talented singer--garbed in dazzling whites, crisp blacks, rich brown streaks, and a yellow/green cap--was quick to regale us with his cheery, energetic aria on many occasions, opportunities to photograph him on the local mountain flora were few and far between. His presence was a delight to local birders like myself, for this songbird is a very rare sight in the West; Chestnut-Sided Warblers are normally found in the Canadian Prairies and provinces eastward. Photographed in early July 2018 on Grouse Mountain in North Vancouver, British Columbia.

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

Chestnut-Sided Warbler Songbird on a Branch Glass Coaster

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

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

A White-Crowned Sparrow Sings to the Morning Sun Jigsaw Puzzle

Elegant Japanese Andromeda Bonfire Flowering Shrub Trinket Tray

Japanese Andromeda Bonfire Serving Tray

Japanese Andromeda Bonfire Large Gift Bag

Japanese Andromeda Bonfire

Japanese Andromeda aka Pieris Japonica is one of my favorite shrubs. It is one of the first plants to flower in the spring--making it an early and obvious choice for pollinators like bumblebees and honeybees--and its slow growing nature makes it an easy-to-maintain natural border plant. Its medley of young dark red leaves, mature yellowish green leaves, and white bell-shaped flowers contrasts nicely against a blue sky and makes for spectacular landscape shots.

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

WWN Japanese Andromeda Bonfire

Add a touch of nature to the bedroom or living room with this wildlife-themed throw! 

Isn't she lovely? This female Rufous hummingbird poses calmly for my camera on the old plum tree in the backyard. With the very early arrival (and disappearance) of the males in March and April as they migrate to as far north as Alaska, we have had a veritable dearth of yardbirds. Her continued presence means that life will become much more "interesting" for the resident Anna's (particularly the males). Not coincidentally, we are also seeing more birds in the backyard now.

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

Female Rufous Hummingbird on the Plum Tree Round Pillow

Nothing says "you complete me" or "your better/other half" than these whimsical, wildlife-themed lovers' mugs.

Diminutive Bufflehead ducks tend to be a challenge to photograph since they keep their distance, but there's always one in the flock (usually, a male) who takes his patrol duty very seriously. Catching the colours of his iridescent head is always a real treat. 

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

Rufous Hummingbird Drinking Anise Hyssop Nectar Postcard

Rufous Hummingbird Drinking Anise Hyssop Nectar Postcard

More from Walks with Nature

Other postcards from various stores