Nodding Thistle

The dried-out seedhead of my favourite thistle, the Nodding or Musk Thistle. This one was found at Confluence Park a few days ago. I'm just posting three quick photos as I have been out on a wonderful, 13-hour day with friend, Ron. Only got about half an hour's sleep last night, followed by an amazing day and I've just got home (just after 8:30 p.m.). Need my supper and then the fun part - sorting through about 700 photos taken today, LOL! We spent a few hours down in southern Alberta at the Coaldale Birds of Prey Centre (near Lethbridge), photographing Bald Eagle, Golden Eagle and various species of owls and hawks. Also had a Great Horned Owl on my arm and a tiny Burrowing Owl - wonderful! We travelled all sorts of side roads both on the way to Coaldale and on the way back home. We saw about 73 hawks in the wild - can you believe it? It seemed as though every few seconds we would see yet another one. Ron also took me to see a Great Horned Owl's nest. Both adults flew off, but we were privileged to see their two owlets. An absolutely amazing day, Ron - thank you SO much for the invite to join you and for giving me so many photo opportunities. Enjoy going through your 1,000+ photos (LOL) and I hope you are really pleased with a lot of them!!