I think my butterflies have taken this social distancing thing to heart, as I have had far fewer visiting my front yard flowers than summers past.
So, I was thrilled when this Monarch showed up, who apparently missed the memo.
He spent a good bit of time flitting about the Zinnia bed…
…sipping and sampling with no competition other than a few bees.
Later, he flew over to the flower box (also with Zinnias) that my hubby built to try and entice more butterflies and hummingbirds to come and pose for pictures.
I’m glad a picture paints a thousand words, because there really aren’t words adequate to describe how beautiful these butterflies are.
I’m still hopeful that some Fritillaries and Swallowtails and a whole host of Skippers will be arriving any day now…
…but in the meantime, I’m grateful for a few moments with this Monarch.
Backyard Bird Nerd 
I think he was just the spy sent to check out if your garden is safe, Kathy. The rest are going to come flooding in soon!
Here’s hoping he spreads the word!
Many fewer monarchs and butterflies in general this year here, too. Possibly because it has been so very hot and dry. I’m certainly hoping to see more soon. Your photos are lovely.
I was in Northern Michigan for the past 4 days and saw quite a few flitting around the milkweed there. But they never landed on anything while I had the camera!
Here’s hoping a few head south soon!
My fav butterfly! Love your pics! 🦋
You picked a beauty for your favorite!
Haven’t seen as many butterflies where I live either – so glad you got a visitor and the photos are amazing!
I am hoping they are just running late and will still show up in full force!
What a beautiful butterfly! The butterflies seem later than usual here in France but they have arrived too!
I hope you are blessed with a lot of these beauties!