The Dark-eyed Junco is actually a sparrow. Here in Calgary we are at the northern end of their winter range. While they are here year round they become more obvious in the winter as other birds decamp to southern climes.
This picture was taken the day after a major snowfall suggesting that it opened after the snowstorm. Sometimes called a giant dandelion it is also known as goatsbeard due to its large feathery seed head.
