I haven’t seen very many Monarch Butterflies (Danaus plexippus) the last few years, so I was thrilled when I spotted this one yesterday at the outdoor butterfly garden at the National Zoo.
I chased after it as it flew from plant to plant, hoping that it would come to rest withing range of my camera. Once the Monarch had landed I circled around until I was on the same plane as the butterfly and got this shot. Fortunately I was close enough that I was able to fill the frame with the beautiful Monarch and a small amount of the flower on which it was feeding—this is an uncropped image.
It was midday and the lighting was a little harsh, but it did help illuminate the wing from an angle and showcase the butterfly’s spectacular colors.
I did take some photos of some of the animals at the National Zoo, which I will present in another posting, but thought I’d start with the Monarch Butterfly, an unexpected bonus of my brief visit to the zoo.
© Michael Q. Powell. All rights reserved.
Mike Powell 
I never tire of seeing these spectacular butterflies!
Nor do I 🙂
I’m glad to know that there are still some around to see. The flower looks like buddleia, or butterfly bush.
Thanks for the assist with the plant identification, Allen. I didn’t take a close look at the other plants in the butterfly garden, but did happen to notice cardinal flowers and milkweed.
Looks like stained glass — really wonderful Mike. And what an incredible and beautiful butterfly, the Monarch.
Thanks, Jet. As you probably have noticed, I love the beauty of butterflies and dragonflies and will often chase after them in an effort to photograph them.