Butterflies

I've noticed in the last couple of days that we seem to have lots of butterflies around. Not something I've noticed for some years now. Admittedly most of them are the usual cabbage whites but I've seen several red admirals as well - including one drowned in a puddle - at least I assume it drowned. It's really nice to see them out again. I wonder whether it's because there are a lot more well established gardens round here with maybe butterfly attracting plants?

No ladybirds though - unlike other parts of the country. I seem to remember a similar plague of ladybirds in the early 1970s. I was working in a library at the time and remember having to make sure we didn't squash ladybirds in the books!