Butterfly Bush Beauties

Most of the butterfly bushes in our yard sadly didn't make it through the harsh winter weather we experienced earlier.  By carefully pruning and nurturing it, I was able to save the largest one.  I'm so happy it survived and is thriving now ... the butterflies are, too!  We've seen quite a variety of butterfly species visiting the pendulous spikes of tiny, nectar-rich purple blossoms.
Today's visitors are seen in the photos below.

Skipper Butterfly

Eastern Tiger Swallowtail