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Metro Vancouver's second snowstorm of the winter season finally brought the lovely and much anticipated male Varied Thrush to my backyard, where he spent the greater part of the day excavating the white stuff for tasty grubs. With their dazzling palette of orange, grey, and black hues, this reclusive songbird is a welcome sight during the monochromatic winter months. Photographed in mid-February 2019.

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

Stunning Varied Thrush Songbird in the Snow

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

Extremely tolerant of the long lens pointed at her from some six feet away, a female Rufous Hummingbird--a regular backyard visitor--sits on twining grape and kiwi vines in the cool of a mid-spring evening.

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

Beautiful Rufous Hummingbird on Twining Vines

If the legendary celestial phoenix had an earthly form, it would have to be this creature. Golden Pheasants are showstoppers, wherever you see them. In their natural environment, these shy creatures seek the underbrush in the day and roost high in trees at night. As with most birds in the avian kingdom, the males are the ones who dress to impress, and this uncharacteristically bold fellow is no exception. This is the red gold variant. 

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

Stunning Profile of a Red Golden Pheasant

Tulips come in many colours, but these white-and-purple ones really broke the mold. Photographed in one of the flower beds at the top of Queen Elizabeth Park, the site of an extinct volcano.

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

Elegant White Purple Flaming Flag Triumph Tulips

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 Hawk on a Wire

Blue Jays may be one of North America's most iconic bird species, but they are rarely found on the West Coast. However, this one has discovered that Ladner Harbor Park in beautiful British Columbia is a great place to hang out and avoid the nasty snowfalls of the east. S/he's been "resident" in this forest since early November 2020 and grants an audience to whomever is willing to shell out a handout of peanuts first. Photographed in late March 2021. 

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

Cute Blue Jay Songbird on Treestump

My first (and closest) encounter with a Sooty Grouse at Burnaby Mountain. This handsome fellow was hardly shy around the photographers, but kept largely to the base of the trees and the shadows. When the other photographers had left,  he came out for a little one-on-one time, "treating" me to dances around the remaining photographer and softly modulated hoots -- even following me partway down to the playground!

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

Beautiful Sooty Grouse in the Grass

The Red-Breasted Nuthatches who patronize the backyard are all business when it comes to procuring sunflower seeds (although they may linger on the suet feeder). They are even quicker to dash and dine (or dash and cache) than the Black-Capped Chickadees, so it is extremely rare to see the former even perched on a branch for any length of time.

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

Red-Breasted Nuthatch Songbird on Branch Postcard

Add a touch of nature to treasured memories and moments with this wildlife-themed binder! 

One of three Eastern Grey Squirrels who find the cherries on the backyard fruit trees simply irresistible. I think I'll call him Don Cherry. If it's a girl, it'll be Dawn Cheery. Either way, I'm covered. Photographed in my backyard in mid-June 2016.

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

Cute Cherry Picking Eastern Grey Squirrel 3 Ring Binder

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 Photo Print

Add a touch of nature and whimsy to your coffee, tea, or favourite hot drink with this wildlife-themed mug! 

A number of small, green, duckweed-covered frogs were seen frequenting a pond just outside of the Minnekhada Lodge, but this cute little fellow took the cake with his unflappable "pose on a hose." Photographed in mid-August 2016.

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

Cute Green Frog Strikes a Pose on the Hose Mug

Baby's first swim! This is a very young Mallard duckling in the reeds. S/he's not even a week old (perhaps just a few days), and already taking to the water like a pro at the local pond. 

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

Duckling in the Reeds

Add a touch of nature and wonder to your walls with this whimsical, wildlife-themed decal!

Red squirrels on Galiano Island are undeniably bold and saucy, even going so far as to scold photographers and other two-legged creatures who wander into their territory. Photographed on Galiano Island in the early morning of July 4, 2017.

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

Saucy Red Squirrel in the Fir Wall Decal

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

This design features a yin-yang styled pair of Japanese painted ferns, isolated on black, and digitally rendered in fiery orange and electric blue hues. With a leaf shape evocative of both feathers and flames, this most ancient of plants boasts a simple but dazzling and unique artistry.

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

Stunning Varied Thrush Songbird in the Snow

Stunning Varied Thrush Songbird in the Snow

More from Walks with Nature

Other cards from various stores