Some days just build as they go on.
This morning started simply enough, a look over the ceanothus and straight away there was plenty happening. Bees already hard at work, moving steadily from flower to flower, one in particular absolutely loaded with pollen and not stopping for a second.
Look a little closer and there’s a different kind of movement altogether. A cucumber spider tucked in amongst the flowers, perfectly still and almost impossible to spot unless you really take your time.
Fast forward to the late afternoon walk and things stepped up another level.
First came that flash of red, a red cardinal beetle. Then another… and another… by the end of the walk there had been four in total. Properly on the move and impossible to ignore, a real sign that the season is shifting up a gear now.
And then right near the end, the moment that tops it all off.
Painted lady butterflies.
Not one, but two. Constantly on the move, never settling, doing exactly what they do best and making it as difficult as possible to even keep up with them. Just seeing them would’ve been enough, but somehow managing to get a photo of one… that’s one of those bonus moments you don’t expect.
From a busy start in the garden to a standout finish on the walk, it all just came together.
Bees working.
Spiders waiting.
Beetles appearing.
Butterflies arriving.
That’s early May for you — no slow build anymore, just everything switching on at once.
And days like this are exactly why it’s worth stopping, looking, and sometimes making the dog wait a few extra minutes. 🌿🐝🪲🦋🕷️