I was a bit surprised and absolutely delighted to see my first Monarch butterfly (Danaus plexippus) of the year yesterday at Occoquan Bay National Wildlife Refuge. I love to see these colorful butterflies, but each year it is a bit of a hit-or-miss proposition, as habitats for Monarchs continue to be threatened and their numbers seem to be declining.
© Michael Q. Powell. All rights reserved.
Mike Powell 
So awesome you spotted one!
Thanks. It feels like summer is really beginning as more and more butterflies appear.
Great shot, Mike. I hope it’s a good sign.
Thanks, Dan. It is a hopeful sign and I am optimistic that I’ll see lots of Monarchs this year. A number of local parks are making efforts to plant more milkweed–every little bit helps.
Let’s hope you will see many more of these lovely, elegant creatures.