Monarchs nectaring on Frostweed in my garden
click to watch video
The weather is moderating, the leaves are beginning to change colors, and THE MONARCHS HAVE STARTED THEIR FALL MIGRATION. Hopefully you have nectar plants for these flying wonders. In my garden they are feasting on Lantana, Tithonia, Frostweed, and others. They also like the nectar from the Milkweed flowers; however, they are unlikely to deposit any eggs there. All their energy is needed for the long flight to the mountains in Mexico where they overwinter. The Monarchs east of the Rocky Mountains travel to Mexico, while those west of the Rockies have a southern California roosting area. This migration and overwintering effort is extraordinary. While the usual lifespan of a butterfly is about two weeks, the lifespan of this migratory group is well over six months. They are bigger, stronger, and even brighter. Eventually I hope to visit the fascinating Oyamel fir forests in Mexico to witness this wonder firsthand! In the meantime, I will revel in the fact that THE MONARCHS ARE COMING!
Monarch nectaring on Tithonia
(click to enlarge)
Monarch nectaring on Bog Sage
(click to enlarge)
Monarch nectaring on Bog Sage
(click to enlarge)
Monarch nectaring on American Basket Flower
(click to enlarge)
Monarch nectaring on Frostweed
(click to enlarge)
Monarch nectaring on "Silver Frost" Buddleia
(click to enlarge)
So I see Blogger changed things back and what a positive that is. Some of these pictures are so good and it's easy again to look at them when they are huge to see in depth and so close. I like being able to do that.
ReplyDeleteIncredible, Roseann! I'm amazed how many monarchs you got...puts my garden to absolute shame. What camera do you use to get such gorgeous photographs?
ReplyDelete