Painted Lady butterflies are about and about at Bandelier National Monument and throughout the region. Photo by Sally King/NPS

Most likely, if you are out and about right now, our friends at Bandelier National Monument say you’ve seen a Painted Lady butterfly! These thistle-loving butterflies are interesting because they migrate independent of seasonal or geographic pattern. They also fly low during migration, only 6-12 feet off the ground, making them easier to see. Look for them huddling on the ground on a cloudy day, but they love fields of wildflowers on a sunny day! Photo by Sally King/NPS