"Did you find your friend?"

Those were the words my dad said to me this morning. I had just showered and changed after my trip to the gym. I knew he could only mean one thing - he had caught something, and it was somewhere in the house. I did not think it could be in my room, as I had not noticed anything out of place.

"Well, you might want to check your windowsil"I pulled back my curtain, and sure enough, there was a "friend" there - a beautiful eastern tiger swallowtail (Papilio glaucus). It is one of my favorite butterflies, mostly because as a child they gave me the best exercise as I chased them down the street with my butterfly net.

Apparently my father was in the garden, and had captured it with his bare hands! I guess that instinct never leaves.
After a few photos, I carefully picked it up and released it outside. It is always thrilling to have such a beautiful animal in my hands (and to have surprises waiting for me in my room).