Darn! I should KNOW not to leave my house without my camera! Walking through Congress Park just a block from my home today, I was marveling at the glorious proliferation of Ground Ivy and Dandelions, two common but absolutely lovely weeds that are MY idea of what makes a perfect lawn. And I soon discovered I was not alone in my appreciation. Dozens of beautiful butterflies -- mostly Red Admirals but one or two others I couldn't identify -- were fluttering among the flowers, lighting here, then there, even holding a pose that would have made for a perfect portrait. If only I'd had my camera. The photos above and below are ones from my photo files.
I had never seen Red Admirals traveling in flocks, so when I got home I looked up information about them and learned that this is a butterfly that migrates south for the the winter, with adults returning again in the spring.
Well, I thought this was fascinating and delightful and was telling my family about it at dinner tonight when what should I see come and land right outside my window? That's right, a Red Admiral.
I went running outside to try to capture a better photo of the butterfly, but unfortunately, it promptly flew away. No matter, there were other delights. My own back yard is on its way to becoming a perfect lawn, with violets crowding so closely I hope they will eventually push out all the grass.
While I was out there I looked around at what else was blooming and was really surprised to see these Celandine Poppies, several weeks earlier than ever before.
Hey butterflies, didn't you notice these gorgeous yellow flowers just waiting for you? I bet they'll soon be back. Or maybe they like the Dandelions even better.
