What is better than the sighting of one Monarch butterfly? Seeing three at once. I always wonder if we have one, repeatedly, or several over the day.
There have been disasters over the years regarding the Monarchs. A 'mild' drought (
Cats, & Monarchs, 2016), a fire in their overwintering Mexican habitat, this was prefaced by a low in 2012 (major 2012 drought:
Monarch butterfly sightings!). "Experts" had dire warnings, but they are rebounding. I knew they would. Populations of all critters ebb and flow, according to environmental conditions. The tent caterpillars are a prime example!
One butterfly fooled me last month... but I was hopeful.
 |
| a viceroy |
Now, you'll have to trust me on this. There are three in the first photo. I am simply not fast enough, although the second one focused beautifully on the two dancing together in the wind!
The milkweed is AMAZING! The smell is so glorious. A lot of bugs use milkweed for food and shelter, BTW. Monarchs use it exclusively as a place to lay their eggs and their caterpillars feed on the plant. This is why we need them in the ditches between here and Mexico.They lay eggs, migrate some more, and go north.
I'm so glad I didn't mow down the blueweed! It looks a bit odd. You can see how we have a drought. Little rain in June (
JUN), and July doesn't look hopeful.
Then, in the front yard...
Lest I forget: The momma dock spider has put in her time. RIP!
The babies have spread out over the plant.
My veggie garden is pretty wretched. I forgot about it. The monarch likes the milkweed in their, though. My back yard is a bit whacky, as I let the milkweed sprout where they like!
Monarch from
Jennifer Jilks on
Vimeo.
Monarch 1 from
Jennifer Jilks on
Vimeo.
Monarch lifecycle, U. of Minnesota
This is the season. I love them. They are everywhere. Down on the septic bed, the blueweed, viper's bugloss, is merrily growing. Each plant has a half dozen bees, as well as butterflies. It's Gramma Camp week, so I must research this little one later!
