It may sound odd but I think I’ve seen Vanessa atalanta more often on playgrounds than in the wild. I can easily recall a few times seeing them flying among swings and slides in our town and elsewhere in Bulgaria. I’ve taken pictures too. This one was photographed on the roof of a wooden steam engine. It was quite surprising how calm the butterfly felt among children and their parents. But I must add that it had to chase away two other Red Admirals from the playground before posing so nicely in front of my camera.

November 22nd. Veliko Tarnovo, Bulgaria.