The monarchs are losing much of their necessary breeding spots of milkweed. There's a movement to protect milkweed. They've also been hit by some bad weather. This was the first year that I only saw one! and it was in a town nearby in August. I love them and remember them so plentiful in my childhood. http://www.xerces.org/monarchs/ Thanks for posting the photograph. It warmed my heart!
Beautiful shot of that beautiful creature. You know, I grew up in Pacific Grove, California, which brands itself a "Butterfly Town, USA", as many winter-over there in great numbers. They hang from pine needles so thick that it is quite a sight. Don't know if it is true, but they say they take in fluids from the pine needles that have a somewhat narcotic effect on them. Oh, they winter-over in other coastal places, but Pacific Grove really plays it up big with a parade, etc. Yep, I marched in that silly parade every year until I was half way through high-school. Until 6th grade they made us all wear wings and antennae. Thanks for the memories, Marv.
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It wasn't a big year for butterflies here, either. Nice pic! Hope you are both well.
ReplyDeleteSame here Marvin. Seems a little scary.
ReplyDeleteThe monarchs are losing much of their necessary breeding spots of milkweed. There's a movement to protect milkweed. They've also been hit by some bad weather. This was the first year that I only saw one! and it was in a town nearby in August. I love them and remember them so plentiful in my childhood.
ReplyDeletehttp://www.xerces.org/monarchs/
Thanks for posting the photograph. It warmed my heart!
Beautiful shot of that beautiful creature. You know, I grew up in Pacific Grove, California, which brands itself a "Butterfly Town, USA", as many winter-over there in great numbers. They hang from pine needles so thick that it is quite a sight. Don't know if it is true, but they say they take in fluids from the pine needles that have a somewhat narcotic effect on them. Oh, they winter-over in other coastal places, but Pacific Grove really plays it up big with a parade, etc. Yep, I marched in that silly parade every year until I was half way through high-school. Until 6th grade they made us all wear wings and antennae. Thanks for the memories, Marv.
ReplyDelete