Monarch butterfly close encounters

I had the most fun experience today. It resulted in some fabulous photos, I will post some of the middling ones here and save the others for a special project.

The weather was amazing today, it was warm, sunny and breezy. Completely comfortable outside, in only shirt sleeves...it was a good day for gardening. It was my favorite kind of day. I was doing some light chores trimming the butterfly bush and dead-heading some plants.  As I worked I saw a Monarch butterfly gently swooping down from a high place in the sky. It started by landing on the bright full red salvias, then it moved to some dahlias, and onto some mums. The monarch was a beautiful specimen, not tattered, and with spectacular form and color.  I couldn't keep my eyes off of it, it seemed so hungry and determined. Each time I approached to get a closer look, the butterfly would alight and move away.

I persisted with camera in hand. Eventually the butterfly lost its fear and let me closer and closer. It seemed to be very hungry. It stayed right next to me for over an hour, eating and eating from my garden flowers. There are still many blooming flowers in the beds and pots: mums, butterfly bush, red salvia, dahlias, purple petunias, pink and coral impatience, morning glories, campanula, rosemary, and other plants are still in full bloom....and it is a joy to have them brightening the yard. Anyway the butterfly had more than enough to feast on, and it did for well over an hour. As it became more involved in the meal, I became more involved in gently photographing my subject. This is what I live here for and how I can tolerate the insanity of attempting to make this house livable in the 21st century.  What do you think of my posted pix? Enjoy, it warmed my heart and now I hope it does the same for you.