On the same day that I photographed the Carolina Wren, whose photos I shared yesterday, I saw and photographed my first Monarch butterfly in Arkansas!
Monarch butterfly in Arkansas – Canon R7, handheld, f8, 1/640, ISO 800, Canon 100-400mm at 400mm, natural light
There were light clouds that afternoon, which softened the harshest light. Otherwise, I wouldn’t have even attempted to photograph the beautiful butterfly because the images would have been too contrasty. Thankfully, the photography Goddess was smiling on me!
I grabbed my camera and walked up to the Monarch to take my images.
Monarch butterfly close up – Canon R7, handheld, f10, 1/1250, ISO 800, Canon 100-400mm at 400mm, natural light
The Monarch butterfly was so busy nectaring from the butterfly bush that the colorful, winged thing didn’t pay any attention to me.
I’ve seen Monarchs all over the country, but I worry about this species because they are in steep decline for several reasons.
If you want to help Monarch butterflies, rip up some lawn grass, which is pretty much sterile for insects, and plant a milkweed garden. Be sure to select a milkweed species native to your area.
Monarch caterpillars feed exclusively on milkweed plants. Monarchs have to have milkweed—that’s a fact.
Additionally, creating an environment with a variety of nectar-producing flowers that bloom throughout the season provides food for adult butterflies.
Monarch butterfly nectaring in Arkansas – Canon R7, handheld, f10, 1/500, ISO 800, Canon 100-400mm at 400mm, natural light
One other thing you can do to help Monarch butterflies? Avoid the use of pesticides and herbicides.
Pesticides and herbicides can harm Monarchs and their food sources. Limiting or eliminating pesticide and herbicide use, especially on milkweed and other flowering plants, can help protect Monarchs. Even small amounts of pesticides and herbicides put these beautiful butterflies and other insects in danger.
Butterflies can’t speak for themselves—we need to speak for them.
Life is good.
Mia
Click here to see my insect and spider galleries.
They are truly beautiful and how I hope we don’t lose them.
Great shot. So sad what’s happening to Monarchs.