Butterflies feeding on the ever popular Red Valerian

Although the smoky air has been often quite toxic, full of particulates, somehow the pollinators and other wildlife manage.

A few painted ladies such as the one above, frequently visit the garden, spending a lot of time sipping nectar from red valerian flower heads.

Red valerian is a very invasive, non-native plant here, but it is such an important source for the pollinators. We let it grow in a few designated areas, near fences.

This isn't the greatest image of an anise swallowtail, but I was very lucky to even get this photo.

These swallowtails rarely ever are completely still, even when they feed.

But what a beautiful swallowtail it is!