Already

Walking through the park earlier today, I noticed a small family - father, mother, small daughter - crouching down gazing intently at a clump of Dwarf Iris in a sunny spot. The man was taking a photograph - and no wonder, for there, perching decoratively on a flowerhead, was a Red Admiral! It was a slightly faded specimen, and flew off within a minute and was lost to view - but what a joyful surprise... The butterfly year has begun - already, nearly a full month earlier than last year.