This is the view out my kitchen window. It was full of orange butterflies this morning. I was excited as I haven’t seen the Monarchs since my first sighting earlier in the month. I abandoned my coffee in favor of a camera and headed outdoors.

I found Pearl Crescent Butterflies (I think!) rather than Monarchs – even though the milkweed is in full bloom.

It was a busy place

from Honey Bees

to Clearwing Moths sampling two varieties of Milkweed. This image is my favorite shot of the day.

With the lilacs gone, the Milkweed is helping to keep these Hummingbird-like moths in the garden.

I ventured out again mid-day to see who was visiting, but it was so hot (95 degrees) that I shouldn’t have been surprised the garden was empty.

Even the bees and butterflies were lying low, likely hiding in the shade.

Here’s hoping I find some Monarch caterpillars in the Milkweed before long!