A monarch butterfly (Danaus plexippus) feeds on a butterfly bush. (Black and white)

Always been in black and white, anyway. This shot is older, maybe from 2015, and I want to like it. A monarch can give a regal portrait; if you can get close enough to take it. Which I guess, for the photographer, makes it…a coup? (I’ll stop.) But so it’s okay, but the white scales are blown out too much and I wish the eye was in better focus.

As it happens, I’ve seen a good number of monarchs this year, including two at once, which was a nice treat, but they did not let me get this close. So unless I find a cooperative straggler in late September, an improved portrait will probably have to come from next year. (Color version after the break; not a favorite admittedly but I like to show those blue legs.)

A monarch butterfly (Danaus plexippus) feeds on a butterfly bush.