When the temperature lingers in the 90’s, the bird activity sometimes hits a bit of a lull; but the butterflies, who love the warmer weather, have been out in abundance. Here are several that my daughter and I saw while we were walking about Smith Gilbert Gardens yesterday.
Some were common visitors to our own yard, like this Gulf Fritillary…
…and this Tiger Swallowtail.
Others I wish were common visitors, like this Zebra butterfly…
…and this Giant Swallowtail and Black Swallowtail, both of whom are a bit frayed about the edges.
Ah, so much beauty. And although the birds may be a little less active on these scorching summer days, it’s clearly not too hot for stripes and spots!
Backyard Bird Nerd 
Oh these colors! Oh the beauty!!!
I want to go back to these gardens and take more pictures…it’s the same place I saw the french fry flowers!
Beautiful bugs! Those last two appear to have had a rough life. I suppose it’s an occupational hazard when you are a butterfly.
Wonderful photos! Stunning butterflies! Cheers!
They are even lovelier in person!
Yes, so much beauty! Very enjoyable shots 🙂
I am hoping to go back to this garden soon, before butterfly season ends.
These are so beautiful 😍😍 would love to paint them!
Yay!
I love these photos, Kathy! 💜 My favorites are the first orange one and the Zebra one! 😄
Never have seen a zebra butterfly. Beautiful.
I wish I could have gotten a picture of him with his wings folded…he has pink dots that are so cool looking! Sounds like another trip to the gardens is in order!