With all the talk of pesticides, habitat and other factors I am glad to see my first Monarch yesterday. I've had lots of other species, but the Monarch has been seen less and less here. We began planting garden annuals like zinnias and marigolds several years ago to encourage them. Honey Bees are seen more often now too since planting a wide variety of annuals and long lasting perennials. I had the camera with me when I got my only shot at the Monarch: And it worked! Here is that picture.


And here are a couple more of a honey bee and I think a yellow sulfur.

He must be heading to Mexico. I’ve read that there’s been a shift in the usual flyways because of weather north and south. I love the Monarchs and raise them from egg to adult. They’re released with a song and a prayer. j

First of all let me say as a new member.
Then second I bet you are right on that he is heading to Mexico.
I had seen a documentary once where they travel all the way from Canada across Lake Erie
then on southwest from there. I'm just glad to see you are raising them for release!
Are those milkweed stems in the second picture?

Today was sunny, warm & apparently good weather for Monarchs.I spent some time with the camera in the zinnia patch. Butterflies were everywhere. I am so glad that I planted a row of them. There were so many butterflies I couldn't count them. And best of all there were three Monarchs; all at the same time. And I was able to get a few shots of at least one. This brings my sightings to four for the month! And they don't mind that the zinnias are going to seed; apparently they still supply nectar.

These are some others in the zinnia patch today. Images are a little out of focus because of wind. Not sure of identity of any.


This one is also unidentified.

First one is a Buckeye, second looks like a Great Spangled Fritillary (or a Meadow Fritillary).
Nice pics

Thanks Jay. I am somewhat "illiterate" on butterflies, but I am so glad to see so many at once.
Appreciate you input.

PhxK glad to have you with us on the site.