I had a pleasant surprise as I wandered around the gardens — swallowtail butterflies checking out the lilacs! The yellow swallowtail had no interest in sitting still long enough for a picture, but the spicebush swallowtails were a bit more patient. One older fella (and I guess age is relative), landed above my head, but the shadow made him look solid black. Another butterfly was a bit better at posing, and you can see him here.
spicebush swallowtail on lilacs
spicebush swallowtail on lilac
[...] Spicebush Swallowtail Butterfly οח ουr Shenandoah Lilacs … [...]