When I arrived at Olbrich Gardens to see the blooming butterfly exhibit, a huge line of families was waiting to get in. I decided to avoid the crowd and visit the outdoor gardens instead.

The first thing that caught my eye outside was this monarch, feeding on the nectar from a butterfly bush plant. What a beauty! They looked so regal perched on top of those purple blossoms.

Right after the monarch flew off, I spotted this silver-spotted skipper. It looked like their left wing never expanded fully after it emerged from their chrysalis. They seemed to fly around OK though.