A mysterious butterfly captured in perfect light by award-winning photographer Lenny Lensworth Frieling—proof that Boulder is truly a fluttering paradise.

Outdoor Picture of the Day: Butterfly Edition

Boulder, Colorado, is no stranger to beauty. But every once in a while, nature throws us something extra—a fleeting, delicate moment that reminds us just how vibrant life truly is. Today’s Outdoor Picture of the Day captures exactly that. Taken by award-winning photographer Lenny Lensworth Frieling, this stunning butterfly photo is more than just a snapshot—it’s a celebration of Boulder’s wild spirit and natural splendor.

The photo, bathed in natural light and framed by wildflowers, reveals a butterfly mid-flight, its wings gently extended like stained glass. Though some debate remains over the species (Monarch or mystery?), one thing is certain: Lenny has once again captured the soul of the Front Range.

So, what makes Boulder such a hotspot for butterflies?

The answer lies in Boulder’s unique geography and dedication to ecological preservation. With a blend of foothills, meadows, canyons, and gardens—plus an elevation that welcomes both mountain and prairie species—Boulder offers prime real estate for butterflies. Add to that the city’s pollinator-friendly policies and native wildflower initiatives, and you’ve got a full-blown butterfly paradise.

Among the butterflies commonly seen flitting through Boulder’s open spaces are:

• Monarchs – Known for their epic migration and bright orange wings.

• Painted Ladies – Orange and black with elegant white speckles.

• Swallowtails – Large, dramatic, and unforgettable.

• Cabbage Whites – Subtle yet steady garden visitors.

• Mourning Cloaks – Dark and mysterious with golden trim.

Late spring through early fall is prime time for butterfly sightings in Boulder. You’ll spot them in places like Chautauqua Park, Wonderland Lake, the Bobolink Trail, and even your backyard if you’ve planted pollinator-friendly flowers. Native blooms like milkweed, coneflower, goldenrod, and bee balm are butterfly magnets.

What makes today’s photo even more magical is the mystery surrounding the butterfly species. With a darker hue and unusual wing pattern, this could very well be one of Boulder’s more elusive visitors—a western black swallowtail or even a rare vagrant species caught by the lens at just the right moment. That mystery invites us to look a little closer the next time we hit a trail or sit beside a creek.

Lenny Lensworth Frieling’s work continues to remind us that Boulder is more than a place—it’s an experience. His ability to blend artistic composition with nature’s spontaneity is what makes this photo not just beautiful but meaningful. It speaks to the spirit of discovery and the quiet, fluttering wonders waiting for those willing to look.

So the next time you’re walking through Boulder’s open spaces, keep your eyes open. A flash of color might just lead you to your own outdoor moment of the day.

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