Today I was thrilled to spot another species of butterfly, the aptly named Spring Azure butterfly (Celastrina ladon), while exploring Occoquan Bay National Wildlife Refuge. This tiny butterfly is only about an inch (25 mm) in size and I was therefore a little surprised to be able to capture some of its details with my 150-600mm lens cranked all the way out to 600mm.
It shouldn’t be long before I see my first damselfly or dragonfly, given the spring-like weather and temperatures today forecast to reach over 70 degrees (21 degrees C).
© Michael Q. Powell. All rights reserved.
Mike Powell 
Nice Mike! And Yes, dragonflies should be around soon! Hopefully!!
A beautiful and delicate butterfly. I have never seen this one before, Mike, so what a treat to get such a close and detailed look. How delightful for you to spot this spring harbinger.
Thanks, Jet. I love these kinds of tiny butterflies and enjoy trying to photograph them and their “cousins,” the hairstreak butterflies. Last year I got a somewhat closer look and chuckled when I re-read the advice I gave in that posting. (https://michaelqpowell.com/2019/03/26/spring-azure-butterfly-in-march/)
Very nice, Mike, and wonderful to be seeing signs of spring. I’ve been watching for dragonflies, but none so far.
Do you take requests? Can you capture a photo of the Spring Peepers for us? Their chorus has been playing for over a week here.
Spring Peepers are tough to find, even when you can hear them. I have not spotted one yet this year, but did get some shots a few years ago. You might enjoy seeing them. https://michaelqpowell.com/2016/04/21/spring-peeper/