Photo a Day, 14 July 2006... Decided to do a bit of weeding in the garden this morning and this butterfly was pretty much a constant companion flying around amongst the tick-seed flowers. Its weight was too much for the thin stalks the flowers are on and so it was often tossed around when lighting on the flowers. I was fascinated at its grace in flying despite the obvious tears in its wings... They are so fragile and it is obvious all of the rain and wind we've had lately has taken quite a toll...

I actually shot this butterfly using both my 100mm macro (this shot) and my 100-400mm IS L (below) The macro lens was a bit better in getting around and taking a shot in the close areas - no way to get above the butterfly with the 100-400 with its min focusing distance of about 6ft...