Backyard and Beyond

Starting out from Brooklyn, an amateur naturalist explores our world.

As John Burroughs said, “The place to observe nature is where you are.”

Monarch

Some stragglers from last week. Saw one on Sunday, too, but too far off to get a good shot. Observed half a dozen butterfly species yesterday, which I think is remarkable for November 1st, but this didn’t include a Monarch.

mthew

One response to “Monarch”

  1. Chuck McAlexander

    Late migrants might be taking advantage of the lack of predators to avoid. Fall migration is close to finished. This Monarch looks pristine, as opposed to many I saw earlier in the fall which had missing antennae, damaged wings and appeared much more dull in color. And those were the ones which had survived the gauntlet up to that point. If a quick freeze doesn’t kill the late migrants and enough flowers remain to fuel the journey, this might be a wise survival strategy. There is also less in the way of toxins remaining on the plants because farmers use the noxious chemicals on and around crops, most of which have already been harvested. There seems to be a significant advantage providing the bug is lucky enough to avoid severe cold and high wind.

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