What’s up today? I’ve got a few female Monarch butterfly images I’ve been meaning to share but I hadn’t edited them until now. This morning seems perfect!
Female Monarch butterfly and blooming Meadow Sage – Canon R7, handheld, f8, 1/500, ISO 1000, Canon 100-400mm at 286mm, natural light
These three photos were taken at the end of September on a bright morning. All three images are of the same female Monarch. She took her time nectaring on the Meadow Sage.
I was able to walk up close, sit down on a rock, and photograph her without disturbing her leisurely breakfast.
Monarch butterfly nectaring on flowers – Canon R7, handheld, f8, 1/500, ISO 1000, Canon 100-400mm at 286mm, natural light
I’m extremely fond of Monarch butterflies, and that fondness goes way back to my childhood in Michigan. When I was about 6 years old, I found a Monarch chrysalis not far from home.
I brought the chrysalis home and watched as it changed, eventually seeing the Monarch butterfly emerge. I was awestruck and have loved butterflies ever since.
Things with wings fascinate me, always have, always will.
Female Monarch butterfly in autumn – Canon R7, handheld, f8, 1/320, ISO 1000, +0.3 EV, Canon 100-400mm at 278mm, natural light
For a while, there were loads of Monarch butterflies here. I was seeing them consistently throughout the day as they migrated south. That has slowed down quite a bit, but there are still stragglers passing through.
As I’ve written before, Monarch butterflies are in trouble and need our help. If you can, plant some native milkweed for the caterpillars, which feed exclusively on it. Also, plant other native wildflowers for the adults to nectar on if you can.
If we all help, even just a little bit, we can make a difference.
Life is good.
Mia
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Good morning and thanks for the lovely monarch photo. It would be nice to know what distinguishes this monarch from a male. I know birds, not so good at butterflies.
I, too, was able to photograph an October monarch, which surprised me because they have been so hard to see this year.
What a beauty. I do love the ephemeral beauty of butterflies.