Dozens and dozens of Monarch Butterflies have been in abundance in our yard for almost a week during their yearly migration.
The wind came in this morning to blow in a cold front and they have taken a free ride and moved on.
But they were beautiful while they were here.
Yes, they sure are lovely and such a thrill to have them around.
I've enjoyed the ones I've had in my yard in recent weeks. I'm sure they all got blown south with the wind we had today.
In my yard today
#2
#3 I can't wait till I see them again next year :)
This message was edited Oct 18, 2011 8:52 PM
Gorgeous, Steph!
Thank you Steph ;)
nice show!
Beautiful pictures Steph!!!
Love all the purple and Monarch, Steph....great shots.
Beautiful photos, Stephanie.
Carla
Wonderful shots Stephanie! I didn't see but one today. I was hoping that more would venture through today. I think it may be winding down.
I still have a couple here in NE Texas and found a tiny caterpillar on a A. currisavica that I was going to dig up and put in greenhouse.
Great!
The only cats I am finding lately are Queens on the MW. Did have one Monarch a couple weeks ago but it had been parasitized and didn't make it.
I've been researching the monarchs since going to the NPSOT symposium in Denton last year and I've found this year that somebody did not tell all of the monarchs what they were supposed to do. My neighbor has had monarchs and caterpillars all summer long. I found two mating in my yard the first of October and according to my research that should not be happening here at this time of year.
I had several ladies at my house this afternoon, and they all said that they still have monarchs in their yards. We are collecting the cats in a screen wire box to give to our Junior Master Gardener teacher so he can share with his students and so the cats won't freeze.
Nature is so much fun! And we have to get our young folks involved.
Nature is not ever that predictable in Texas.....just like our weather!
I'm having lots of Monarchs in my backyard (W Houston) and saw 3-4 cats eating away at the butterfly weed today. I had a chrysalis a week or so ago but it disappeared after a front came through :( Will these cats make it to chrysalis stage? They are so beautiful green with metallic gold dots. Janet
In your area they should still have time. Don't bring them inside unless it is an un-heated room, they need to know it is getting cold. I have seen several Queen caterpillars this last month but no Monarchs. You have to look close to see the difference.
I would have no idea how to take care of a butterfly, chrysalis or caterpillar! So, I'll just leave them alone. They know what to do with themselves much better than I do!
