Cloak and Dagger

Mourning Cloak (Nymphalis antiopa) in the flowers of an early blooming crab apple (Malus). Actually, on second viewing, this seems to be a cherry (Prunus). The butterfly’s long tongue, rather like an oil derrick, or a dagger, plunging into the heart of the nectar.

Seems like a good year for Mourning Cloaks. Note that this one has a big chunk out of its wings. They get beat up during their long lives. Among other butterflies so far, I’ve had a brief look at what I think must have been one of the Polygonia species. On the day I took the above photos, I saw a couple of Cabbage Whites.