Even with the frigid temps (low teens), both Thursday's and Friday's rides home were beautiful. Clear skies, bright sunshine. On Friday, as I passed under the 14th Street bridge, I saw a Red Tail hawk on top of a pigeon. I stopped so as not to disturb it and watched from a distance. After one of only two other cyclists I saw passed without disturbing it, I decided to get a little closer. I was able to get to within about 12 feet to watch. I could actually hear the flesh/tendons tearing as it downed feathers, bones, and all. It would periodically look directly at me as I sat there still on the trail moving slowly and avoiding direct eye contact. I felt priveledged as I stayed and watched this magnificant hunter reduce the bird to a pile of feathers. I eventually had to move on as the cold was really starting to sink in. Even though most of my co-workers and friends thought I was crazy for riding on the "coldest days in ten years", these are the sights that most people never get to see on their daily commutes. That's one reason it's still worth it in adverse weather.