Butterflies are with us once again, moving softly and quietly across the landscape. They’ve been called flying flowers, floating poems, nature’s confetti, and many other appreciative metaphors. But words fall short every time.

Not the best of mornings for finding butterflies; sunless, oppressively humid, just the slightest of breezes, downright uncomfortable. But more than two dozen volunteers were ready for the challenge.

Join Jim Waggener in his ongoing natural resource surveys at two of Northern Virginia's best birding spots.

Have you ever wondered where animals go in the winter, when many seem to just—disappear?