After hearing a report of these butterflies being seen regularly in a garden next to a network of trails that I frequently visit I went out to see if I might be able to find some and get a few shots. I had seen a Giant Swallowtail there last year, just one I recall but maybe another, but had no luck getting any photos. The few I did see in total last year were very active and not content to land for a photo. I was hoping to change that this year. I ended up seeing several of these enormous butterflies this morning, one barely out of the parking lot for the trails, and there were a couple along the way that were nectaring or perched which allowed me to get my first ever photos of this special butterfly for my area. This is my favorite photo of the lot.

Giant Swallowtails have not historically occurred this far north, but like several other butterfly and bird species, they seem to be expanding their range northward. I believe the first reports of Giant Swallowtails came in from rural areas only two years ago. Last year some were being seen closer to the city and this year there have been many more reports all around. Perhaps they will be like Great Egrets, which in the not-too-distant past were unheard of in my area and generated quite the buzz when they were reported. Now they are everyday sights.