Monarchs on the move

[Tom Barry]

It is time for the annual migration of Monarch butterflies through Austin en route to their winter homes in the mountains of Mexico. The numbers are sadly depleted these days, but I found quite a few in Zilker Botanical Garden yesterday. Click on the links below the shots for full size. Three shots:
Another Monarch by tombarry975, on Flickr
Monarch by tombarry975, on Flickr
Backlit Monarch by tombarry975, on Flickr

[mugge]

Beautifully executed, Tom. We went to The Melbourne Zoo just recently. In the butterfly house, I got zip, nothing
Cheers Ole

[Tom Barry]

Thanks for the kind words, Ole.

[Shadowman]

Nice shot.

[DanK]

Very nice, particularly #1

[Tom Barry]

Many thanks, John and Dan.

[skitterbug]

I enjoy butterflies. Your series is nice with the second one being my favorite! They sure don't stay put for very long.

We spotted an estimated 300 - 500 of them heading south flying over us about 6 weeks ago. They didn't fly in a bunched up group but rather 10 or 15 at a time, fluttered past. Some were very high up even. I've never seen this before. It was amazing to see.

[Tom Barry]

It's an amazing phenomenon. I've read that Monarchs are the only butterfly that does an annual two-way migration. It's sad that their numbers are vastly reduced due to loss of the milkweed plants they depend on for survival.

[billtils]

gorgeous set of images Tom, and an interesting story to accompany them.

[Tom Barry]

I appreciate the kind words, Bill.