Gray Hairstreak visiting

It's always such a treat to spot native butterflies in the garden.

Most of them are so small and blend in with the plants, that the only way you'll notice them is by patiently waiting and spotting movement.

Such was the case with this Gray Hairstreak butterfly Strymon melinus pudica.

I was observing bees on the Seacliff buckwheat Eriogonum parvifolium flower heads, when the hairstreak fluttered by, landing on the buckwheat.

The hairstreak stayed a while on the buckwheat for its nectar break.