Yesterday I had my first opportunity to use my macro lens to photograph a butterfly. Consulting the field guide, I think it could be a Yellow Admiral (Vanessa itea).
Despite its battered state, the butterfly was flying from one plum blossom to the next without trouble. I wanted to take more photographs but just as the butterfly took up the perfect position, the card in my camera filled, so I only ended up with this shot. Oh well, it’s just the beginning of Spring here, so I’m sure there will be plenty more opportunities to photograph butterflies this year!
Fifteen Acres 
Looks like the bird had two goes at it unless the wings were folded up at the time, whatever, it had a lucky escape. Seems to be mostly Painted Ladies around here at the moment…. apart from the Cabbage Whites!
Yes, I’ve seen a few Painted Ladies here too. We’ve had a few sunny days, followed by some quite cools ones. The butterflies are sporadic, but certainly beginning to have more of a presence.