There is as yet no colourful growth in our part of Manitoba, no flowers, no leaves except for the odd overwintered wild strawberry leaves among the layer of dried foliage on the ground. So this Compton Tortoiseshell is a welcome splash of brightness. The underside of its wings are brown and gray, like the dead leaves it perches on.

They lasted through the winter, delicate though they may be.

According to the weather forecast, the temperatures for the next week are above freezing, including nighttime temperatures. So it’s farewell to the frozen puddles, and the last patches of snow left in sheltered spots.