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Last year, I was fortunate enough to encounter the female Yellow-Headed Blackbird at Manning Park. This year, I saw not one of these rare visitors to Metro Vancouver, but three adult male Yellow-Headed Blackbirds (and at least one female)--the former calling attention to themselves with their golden heads and breasts, less-than-melodious birdcalls, and frequent sparring matches with the more familiar Red-Winged Blackbird males in the marshes of Iona Island.

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

Yellow-Headed Blackbird Songbird in Marsh Postcard

Having encountered Harlequin Ducks only at great distances before, seeing these two females up close sharing a quiet moment on a seaweed-covered rock at West Vancouver's Ambleside Beach gave me hope for future encounters with these small seaducks. Photographed in late August 2016.

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

Harlequin Ducks on Seaweed-Covered Rocks Postcard

With a bright white bib that looks like the cravats sported by the well-heeled during Elizabethan and Victorian times, this handsome domestic Mallard (of the Duclair designer "persuasion") was definitely the odd duck out at the local wildlife sanctuary. That didn't stop this debonair duck from charming the photographers in his midst, and moving his way to the forefront of the feeding frenzy that included many, many wild Mallards. 

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

Suave Domestic Mallard Duclair Bibbed Odd Duck Postcard

Mid-summer is the time of the season for lilies, and these delightfully fragrant white Casablanca Oriental lilies amazed me with their large size, abundance, and delicate beauty. Photographed in early August 2017 at a private garden.

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

Elegant Casablanca White Oriental Lilies Postcard

This is the third sighting we have had of a hermit Thrush, a lovely singer, in the yard in the past two years, but the only time we have spotted it on the front lawn -- this time, perfectly posed on the pyracantha coccinea (Scarlet Firethorn). The warm yellow you see in the backyard is the neighbor's weeping alder.

This chubby little number didn't seem the least bit fazed to be photographed. Taken from 20 feet away--this was my second attempt to photograph it in just a few minutes. So thrilled to see this bold little berry eater. Photographed on October 21, 2016.

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

Stunning Hermit Thrush Songbird on Pyracantha Postcard

We had our first trio of Rufous hummingbirds arrive in the backyard in early April 2017. This adult male was uncharacteristically taken with the early-blooming flowering currant bush and the sextet of hummingbird feeders scattered throughout the area, and stayed for a week--a real treat, considering most of the adult males usually only stay a day, passing through to more northern climes (Alaska) for the breeding season. Getting a decent shot of him has been a cat-and-mouse game, however, and this pose of him on the cherry tree (with his flashing reddish gorget and rufous feathers) was only possible because my subject did not know that he was being photographed.

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

Stunning Rufous Hummingbird on the Cherry Tree Postcard

Yes, there is a Pebble Beach in Canada -- on Galiano Island. This Gulf Island is blessed with an abundance of natural scenic wonders, and Pebble Beach is worth the 30-minute trek. Walkers are greeted with this stunning and breathtaking vista of sky, sea, and land at the finish of their short journey. Photographed on July 3, 2016.

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

Pebble Beach, Galiano Island, British Columbia Postcard

These Tree Swallow nestlings are just about ready to fledge and take wing in the big wide world outside their nestbox, which is getting a bit crowded now they're almost full grown. I got the attention of the one on the left, and a few moments later, its sibling decided that I was worth a look, too, and also poked its head through the entrance opening!

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

Cute Tree Swallow Babies Looking at Big World Postcard

Beautiful Varied Thrush on the Snowy Ground Trinket Tray

Beautiful Varied Thrush on the Snowy Ground Ceramic Tile

On a very memorable Boxing Day 2017, a dozen of these enchanting but highly reclusive songbirds were frequenting the trees and vocalizing near the Burnaby Lake Nature House at Piper Spit. None seemed particularly concerned about the presence of photographers, and I daresay some of the subjects even worked the cameras with their pretty poses!

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

WWN Beautiful Varied Thrush on the Snowy Ground

Add a touch of nature to your travels with this floral-themed luggage tag! 

After the time of many showy blooms had passed at the end of July, this lovely ornamental flower, a South African native also known as the River Lily or Crimson Flag, continues to awe and hold its own at the UBC Botanical Garden. 

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

Kaffir Lily / River Lily / Hesperantha Coccinea Luggage Tag

Cute Chillin' Mallard Mom Duck & Baby Duckling Jigsaw Puzzle

Mallard Mom with Duckling Onboard

Cute Chillin' Mallard Mom Duck & Baby Duckling Tote Bag

My first-of-year-Mallard-mom-with-baby-on-her-back (one of eight) sighting at the local pond today. Both are sitting in a little grassy area just off the water. These ducklings couldn't be more than a few days old, and already they were swimming and floating like little corks under the watchful eye of Mother Mallard (who was anything but a Mother Hen).

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

WWN Cute Chillin' Mallard Mom & Baby

WWN Hopeful Columbian Ground Squirrel

WWN Cherry Picking Eastern Grey Squirrel

WWN Saucy Cute Squirrel Wonders If Could You Spare a Peanut?

WWN Funny Columbian Ground Squirrel Pulls up to a Bar

WWN Who Me? Saucy Red Squirrel in the Fir

WWN Eye to Eye with a Magnificent Cheetah

From backyard residents (squirrels and raccoons) to denizens one is less likely to encounter in the wilds of North America (i.e. the cheetah and capybara), here's a look at the more hirsute members of the wild kingdom.

WWN Other Furry Creatures

Cute Overload: Mallard Ducklings Kid's Flip Flops

Floating Living Corks: 9 Cute Mallard Ducklings Jigsaw Puzzle

Adorable Quintet of Swimming Mallard Ducklings Medium 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 Mallard ducklings having a ball in the local pond, is perfect for bird lovers or children's birthday parties.

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

WWN Cute Mallard Ducklings Enjoying a Swim

Add a touch of nature to the living room with this wildlife-themed lampshade cover.  If someone combined the adorably big head and black eyes of a Black-Capped Chickadee with the colours and bill of a Kookaburra in a Jay-sized body, they'd have the whimsically-named Whiskeyjack. Also known by its less colourful aliases of Canada Jay and Gray Jay, we saw no fewer than six at Manning Park's Lightning Lake, where they would boldly descend on picnic tables in the hopes of free handouts.

A Cute and Curious Grey Jay / Whiskeyjack Tripod Lamp

Add a touch of tasty to the dining experience with this elegant, food-themed glass coaster, which features a homegrown (and oddball) medley of striped, green, purple, and yellow tomatoes on a weathered grey picnic table, is great for improving muscle memory. Pictured tomato cultivars include Green Zebra, Red Zebra, Indigo Rose, Brandywine, Black Prince, Midnight Snack cherry, and heirloom cherry. 

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

Yellow-Headed Blackbird Songbird in Marsh Postcard

Yellow-Headed Blackbird Songbird in Marsh Postcard

More from Walks with Nature

Other postcards from various stores