The monarchs must be migrating.

This is first one I have seen. I didn't see one all summer here in North Texas, but for the past week or so I have been seeing more and more. Here is one series. (BTW, these guys are quick and do not like to be photographed.)

I think I see one.


Yes, it is definitely a monarch enjoying the nectar of a comsos flower.






It just can't enough of that sweet nectar.


But the wind begins to blow so it hangs on firmly.








The wind calms down. It looks to have been worth it for the monarch. It stays put. It even adjusts positions opening its wings a bit.


Then it is back to getting nectar.




But enough time has passed. It is time to get going, possibly to Mexico.



EXIF data can be seen here for all of the pictures. http://maestros.smugmug.com/gallery/1979485

I love the Monarchs, and you are correct on two counts. They are migrating, almost all gone from Minnesota, AND they are difficult to photograph, especially "in flight".

I learned a little about them this Summer:

*No single Monarch lives long enough to complete a migration cycle. Somehow, the migration knowledge is "passed on".

*The larvae (caterpillars) eat ONLY plants from the Milkweed family which gives the adult Monarch Butterfly a bitter taste to birds who decline to eat them. Adult Monarchs with a "V" shaped section missing from the wings have survived a bird attack.


I am going to set up a "Monarch WayStation" next season and try to photograph the lifecycle. I hope to catch the Butterflys emerging from the chrysalis.
http://shop.monarchwatch.org/product.aspx?p=125522(base)

A very young friend calls them "Flutter-Bys". I love it!
Your pix made me smile on this dark rainy morning in Minneapolis. :)

We too are actually setting up a monarch waystation too. We have wild milkweed all over the place around here and we plan on planting some in our garden next year. For now, the monarchs seem happy with what we have as far as nectar goes. The wild milkweed is in the field behind us. I'm glad you liked the pics.

has done really well this year even though we have had an abolutely brutal summer, something like 30+ days over 100 degrees. However, the cosmos didn't come into bloom until after cooler temps. Obviously, the butterflies and bees are liking the cosmos too. :)

foretells of the migration down here. I'm totally psyched! Finally! I'll have something pretty to shoot in Mississippi!

Now if they'd only hurry up and get down here in time for Blue_In_AK's visit this week, that'd be GREAT!

:rofl:

Check your pm. :hi: :bounce:

I hope to see some great shots!

..I stopped here tonight, hoping I'd find something beautiful, and you didn't disappoint me. I've always loved butterflies...especially Monarchs. Your photos are superb. Thanks again. :hug:

I'm glad you enjoyed them.

they have a butterfly exhibit from the end of April through the summer months. It is quite peaceful in this room.

It's at the tip of the Stonington Peninsula that juts into Lake Michigan from the north. Beware! The road near the end of the peninsula gets a little scary!

http://www.travelbaysdenoc.com/butterfly.shtml