Yesterday, I was at the spigot filling my watering can when a tiny, Karner Blue butterfly came flitting around. Their habitat is the Great Lakes Region, and they are endangered.

The little fairy was looking for water—as tiny as they are, the have to find very shallow sources. It was apparently drinking from the crevices of the patio pavers.

I watched it for a time, gently sprinkling water on the pavers that kept drying in the afternoon sun. And then I put my hand out just to see if it would come to me—and come it did.

Speaking to insects, birds, small animals and having that moment, however brief, of knowing they trust you, is what being in tune with nature feels like.

It will never stop filling me excitement and satisfaction.

For all the time this was happening, I wanted to tiptoe into the house, get my phone and try to snap a picture, but I was sure that would break the spell. So here’s some images from the interwebs.