Warm weather and sunshine bring forth a burst of pollen- and nectar-heavy wildflowers this time of year, and with them, a rainbow of colorful butterflies. We tend to associate butterflies with sunny meadows—and rightly so—but did you know that butterflies live in a broad spectrum of habitats including forests, heathlands, bogs, swamps, even salt marshes? In fact, you can spot butterflies wherever caterpillar food plants and sources of nectars for adults are found.

Learn more about butterflies or join an upcoming program on butterflies at Broadmoor in Natick (for adults or families), at Felix Neck in Edgartown (children 3-5 with an adult), or at Boston Nature Center in Mattapan (adults), and enjoy these five lovely images of butterflies from past Photo Contest entrants.

Have a beautiful butterfly shot of your own? Submit it to the 2016 Picture This photo contest, open now!

Monarch Butterfly © Liana Jackson, 2014 Photo Contest

Tiger Swallowtail © Brenda Dowdell, 2011 Photo Contest

Giant Swallowtail © Sarah Keates, 2013 Photo Contest

White Admiral © Carolyn Baillargeon, 2013 Photo Contest

Baltimore Checkerspot © Brendan Cramphorn, 2015 Photo Contest

When you see a baby bird out of its nest, it’s hard to resist the urge to help. While it may seem helpless, more often than not the baby bird is just fine. Most birds that people try to rescue are still being cared for by their parents and should be left alone.

Not sure if you should take action or not? Check out our online primer. And enjoy five photos of baby songbirds from past photo contests. Got a great photo of your own? The 2016 contest begins June 1!

Wood thrushes © Michael Ross

American robin © Naomi Willson

Northern cardinal © Charles Lanphear

Ruby-throated hummingbirds © Stacey Bourque

Red-winged blackbird © Deborah Monte