Guarding...

The first speckled wood butterflies are out in the garden. We have a small breeding population in the orchard, that produces two broods every year. The males are territorial, and defend their patch from other winged intruders. This one had found a particularly sheltered spot to soak up the rays, and kept returning to it, making it possible to get an eye to eye shot. They're often photographed with their wings open, but I think the underwing is perhaps even more beautiful.