Midwinter Butterfly

as morning follows
the longest night
midwinter butterfly

Although it's not unknown to see the odd butterfly through the winter months, this is a first in December for me and comfortably my latest sighting in a calendar year; it's made my Christmas.  

Small Tortoiseshell, Peacock and Comma all overwinter in adult form but usually tucked away in some hidden roost. But if a roost is disturbed, or the sun comes out, like today, you might spy one basking.

Another notable record from Baildon's Hallcliffe Community Garden, where I usually get my first and last sightings of the year. And an unexpected late addition to my #butterflies2015 blip collection.