Have to love those males

I always feel lucky when a little Downy Woodpecker happens to be a male, sporting a bright red patch on his head. Adds such a welcome splash of colour. Saw this little guy in Fish Creek Park when I called in there three days ago. At least there was some sunshine, unlike today. We've had another day of spectacular hoar frost, but most of my photos are useless from today because it was such a dull day. Not a glimmer of light anywhere.

Walked along the Bow River from 8:15 a.m. till about 12:15 p.m. from Carburn Park to Beaverdam Flats. Two highlights were seeing a Harlan's Hawk and the cutest Great Horned Owl, who was sheltering under a metal bridge across the river. On the way home, I called in at Sikome, Fish Creek Park, where I discovered "my" pair of Great Horned Owls high up in a different tree. I'm amazed I spotted them, as they blended in with the branches and tree bark perfectly.