Orange sulfur Butterfly photographed by Jeff Zablow a Raccoon Creek State Park, PA. Jeff blogs about the art and science of butterflies at http://www.wingedbeauty.com

He shot across the expansive fields at Frick Park, here in Pittsburgh. My thought? An Orange Sulphur desperately seeking nectar, on November 11th? Petra didn’t see him. Petra looks for dogs, bikes, people, squirrels and deer, just about in that order. But I . . . oops! there go . . . two other Orange Sulphurs, again males. It was an extraordinary day, a November day, shortly after noon time, with a balmy temperature of 71 degrees F.

So? So the forecast for today promises a high temperature of 46 degrees, and weather.com predicts similar, or lower high temps for the next 9 days.

Orange Sulphurs are sturdily built butterflies, but at the same time, they are wisps of the wind, when their weight and girth are considered. Do they vacate their blood and replace it with anti-freeze like compounds, all done in less than 24 hours? Are they now safely ensconced in tree crevices? I will keep my eyes pealed for Orange Sulphur carcasses when Petra and I walk the park this morning. I don’t expect to find any.

What a fantastic plan, bring teeny, tiny butterflies through harsh winters, for thousands of years, safely taken care of, and . . . ready to fly new generations year after year, with no Help from Washington. What a plan!

Adios Orange Sulphurs!. That’s a fine example of why you and I follow butterflies. The whole thing is Amazing!

Jeff