As if this area wasn't cool enough, our town is also host to the annual migration of these incredible butterflies. I think I overheard a docent telling someone the count this year was at about 25,000, but sometimes it's much higher than that! They stopover at a nearby grove of eucalyptus trees each year for 2-3 months before moving on to who-knows where. Today was a little cooler than it has been and not much sun, so most of them were clustered together keeping warm and not much activity was going on except for waaaaay up high in the trees. When they're lower, it's positively magical to be amongst so many fluttering about!
Beautiful capture, they are overwintering until Milkweed and flowers are available in Spring. The West coast migrants leave in the Spring and travel North and East as far as British Columbia and the Western slopes of the Rocky Mountains. They breed on Milkweed along the way and the Fall migrants returning are their offspring.
I just love all natural phenomenon - this is amazing. I was in Mexico last year and missed the migration by a month. Maybe next time. Thanks for sharing.
it absolutely captures the magic that you felt - gorgeous. Thanks for sharing. Makes it more real than when you see this stuff on telly when you know there's a whole town experiencing it, discussing the numbers etc. Incredible.
That is ridiculously cool!!! I have planned to go to Natural Bridges soon since I know there is a monarch sanctuary there. I guess I need to go very very soon. I am going to see what the weather is looking like for this weekend.
+fave
I wish I WERE there now! Miss you too. Maybe this spring......
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Thanks, everyone! All of those butterflies at once truly is an incredible sight (sorry for the scare, @clarissajohal!) Have a great week!!
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Thanks, all! I really appreciate your kind comments. Indeed, it is an amazing sight!
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Thanks so much!!! :-D