Tag Archives: Monarch Butterfly

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This is the time of year when the fall migration of Monarch butterflies occurs. I have seen one or two nearly every time the sun comes out and warms things up. I am always thrilled to see one. Barbara Rice sent in photos of a male and a female Monarch. The male, shown below, has two dark scent spots on its lower wings. Can you see them?

male-monarch-has-two-scent-spots-on-lower-wings-photo-courtesty-of-barbara-riceThe female does not have these two spots.

female-monarch-lacks-the-two-scent-spots-photo-courtesty-of-barbara-riceThis generation of Monarchs is called the Methuselah generation. They are the ones who migrate, and they live seven months.

Here's a photo taken by Craig Tooley that appears in our book, Mendonoma Sightings Throughout the Year. Looks like it's a female!

monarch-butterfly-with-pink-flowers-oct-by-craig-tooleyThanks to Barbara for sending in the first two photos, and to Craig for allowing me to share his photo with you here. To see much more of Craig's nature photography, here is the link to his website: www.ruffimage.com

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We have a lovely bush growing against the house called abelia. It flowers for months. Bees love it, as do hummingbirds. And the Monarchs love it too. I saw a Monarch fly to it earlier today.

Monarch Butterfly nectaring on abelia by Jeanne Jackson

Monarchs are migrating through our area now, heading south. These are the long-lived generation, the Methusalah generation.

Here is a close-up of a Monarch, taken by Clay Yale.

First Monarch of the season by Clay Yale

To track the migration of Monarchs, here is the link to Journey North: http://www.learner.org/jnorth/  This is a citizen science website where people like me and you can share our sightings. They track many creatures, including hummingbirds and gray whales. Join in the fun!

Thanks to Clay for allowing me to share his photo with you here.

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I love seeing butterflies dipping and darting through my garden. Swallowtails are here, and Monarchs are just beginning their autumn migration. Drew Fagan photographed an Anise Swallowtail and a Monarch on his lavender patch.

Anise Swallowtail and a Monarch Butterfly by Drew Fagan An Anise Swallowtail nectaring on Lavender by Drew Fagan

I can almost smell the wonderful lavender.

Thanks to Drew for allowing me to share his photos with you here. To see Drew's artwork, here is the link to his website: www.drewfagan.com

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Tom Eckles saw the first Monarch Butterflies in his garden in Gualala.

Monarch Butterfly in the garden by Tom Eckles (Large)

The fall migration is just beginning. Journey North is a citizen science project where you can report your own sightings of Monarchs and other creatures. Here is their website: http://www.learner.org/jnorth/

Thanks to Tom for allowing me to share his photo with you here. To see much more of Tom's photography, here is his website: www.tomeckles.com

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Beautiful Monarch Butterflies have been seen, feeding on various flowering plants. Paul Brewer photographed one feeding on escolonia.

Monarch feeding on escalonia by Paul Brewer Monarch on escalonia by Paul Brewer

These Monarchs are part of the Methuselah generation that will live for seven months or so, migrating down to Baja California.

Thanks to Paul for allowing me to share his photos with you here. To see much more of Paul's nature photography, here is the link to his website: http://www.capturingnatureswonders.com/