Start At The Top

I saw this amazing thistle last week .It hadn't bloomed so I decided Thursday would be Thistle day ,My muddled searches tell me it's Thistle Scotch, (Onopordium acanthium) ..??
Taller than me it's a 'wonder' with silvery stems and leaves .My aim is to get a top to root image with all heads blooming . The weather may look overcast but was sweltering and humid .I couldn't face Kladow .That gives some idea .Came back , and at the cafe met the cheekiest sparrow who sat over from me and made a deal ( bit of cake and I'd get a blip ) Good for us both . Such a lovely golden beak .( see extra )