On the first warm days of spring, one may find the hibernating butterflies like the Eastern Commas and Mourning Cloaks flying in the woods.  Since no leaves are yet on the trees and the sun shines through, I find the butterflies sunning themselves deep in the woods, not just at the forest edges or openings.  This comma was one of about four flying on a sunny, 65 F day, perching high in trees but also occasionally landing on the leaves on the forest floor. 

The winter form (or "fall form") overwinters and may be seen flying on warm days in autumn as well as in early spring.  Note that these photos are from September and March. 

Underside of same individual as above. 

This individual was flying with the Question Mark winter form which I photographed nectaring at the same group of Asters.  It is true that butterflies of this genus do not often visit flowers, but they do seem to like the white Asters at the edge of the woods in the late summer.