Chasing butterflies

I spent about 10 minutes yesterday chasing these 2 Milbert's Tortoiseshell butterflies, trying to get a better photo of them. I had never seen one of these, and needed to get a better look to identify them. (What did we do before Google? And before I had that iPhone in my back pocket?) Even sitting still on the bench, they would come close, but as soon as I moved to take a photo they would leave.

Now that I know what they are, and that they feed on goldenrod, lilac, and thistle, I am surprised I have not seen one before. That is mostly goldenrod (about 5 feet tall) outside the fence. There is a lilac bush just next to the pots, and thistle everywhere, although not as plentiful as the goldenrod. They feed on the flowers—none are blooming yet—but I think they were more interested in each other than feeding.

And since I was right there, look at these petunias! I love this color combination!