Red Admiral butterfly

Thank You for that gatorfellows, they were right saying the warm weather and host plants around allowed the population boom and provided enough food for them all, I couldnt believe at one time I saw 15+ of them flying around the trees at once it was like a tiny flock of birds, and they landed on me and this is why for some reason these usually timid butterflies allowed me to get so close for the perfect photos!

Hi Keith and Dan; here is an interesting article from Iowa State University about their 2012 spring population boom with Red Admirals. It outlines how and where the population breeds; and about conditions when they migrate northward. :)
http://www.ipm.iastate.edu/ipm/hortnews/...

this year havent seen one yet I guess due to it being a cold Winter and late to warm up in Spring

Added a video of a butterfly landing on me :)

I've been seeing tons of these butterflies around too.

I also forgot to mention there are so many of these butterflies I heard there is a population explosion, I spotted 15 on one tree! Usually I'm lucky to see one, and they frequently try to land on you if your in a sunny spot!

The last image was deleted but I guess is still showing as a blank picture.

Your welcome, it was a gorgeous day out and I got lucky they weren't bothered by the camera as they ate

Thanks for re-posting these. They are beautiful!

added new photos

Red Admiral