I was delighted and a bit surprised on Monday to spot this Monarch butterfly (Danaus plexippus) at Occoquan Bay National Wildlife Refuge. thought the Monarchs had all left the area by now to head to warmer locations. When I posted this photo is a Facebook forum, I learned that viewers also have been spotting occasional Monarchs recently in other parts of Virginia.
Although the calendar tells us that we are well into autumn, we are still reminded from time to time of the beauty of the summer days that are gradually fading from our consciousness. Time moves on inexorably.
© Michael Q. Powell. All rights reserved.
Mike Powell 
Ah such a wonderful surprise to see one of these beautiful butterflies. Thank you Mike.
This is a beautifully Autumnal photo. The warm colours of the butterfly’s wings and the quality of light really make me think of that warm, golden light we experience at this time of year as we slip from Summer into Autumn.
Beautiful capture, Mike.
Very nice Mike! Sometimes you never npknow what subjects you will encounter! But that make photography fun!
Nice and crisp image, Mike.
Nice. If I saw one here now it might be doomed.
Beautiful photos