First butterfly count

Marcus gets an up-close look at a Gulf Fritillary caterpillar.

I wasn't the only one tagging along on my first butterfly count. Three-year-old Marcus came with his parents.

Dad: "What's your favorite butterfly, Marcus?"
Marcus just stares at me.
Me trying to help: "Is it orange? Is it yellow?"
Marcus: "Viceroy."

What the what?

Marcus was a ringer. It seems he is a butterfly fan and likes to pore over butterfly books. This kid knew more than me.

Marcus' mother says his favorite changes every 5 minutes depending on trivia he discovers about a butterfly. 

Too bad we didn't see a viceroy during this outing.

Gulf Fritillary