Before I begin with this topic, let me remind you that this website was originally created with this mission statement in mind: To bring attention to the wonders of life, big and small, and in so doing create enough interest in my readers so that they will be inspired to go out and see the wonders for themselves.
With that in mind, I give you the Monarch Butterfly.
The Monarch Butterfly recently ended its northward migration, from Mexico to the northern border of the U.S., which gives me all the reason I need to talk about this incredible creature.
Why the spotlight on the Monarch? Let me give you a few bullet points:
- Some adult Monarchs live only fourteen days; others can live as long as nine months. They are capable of traveling upwards of eighty miles in a day, and their migration northward, and southward, is between 1800-3000 miles, depending upon which route they take.
- That route never changes.
- Not all Monarchs which start the migration finish; many are born along the migration; those born during the long flight instinctively know where to go. The grandchildren of the butterflies which started the migration in the Spring will return in the North, same route, same destination, year after year after year.
- Monarchs gain their sustenance from the Milkweed, and only the Milkweed, during their migration. How do they find milkweed plants while flying? Read the next bullet point.
- Monarchs are capable of smelling Milkweed from two miles away.
- How do Monarchs instinctively know how to follow the route north and south? Read the next bullet point to find out.
- Orienting by the position of the sun keeps them on the right compass direction. However, on cloudy days, when the sun cannot be seen, Monarchs use the Earth’s magnetic field to keep them pointed in the direction they seek, and their compass is found in their wings.
Mind blown yet?
Now, the bad news. The Monarch population has decreased by 80%. The chief reasons for this are climate change and deforestation.
Can you do anything to help?
I’m glad you asked.
First, you can follow the migration on this website:
https://monarchbutterflyusa.com/
Next, and I’m serious about this, you can plant a butterfly garden, and make sure that garden has Milkweed. Not only will your garden attract other species of butterflies, but you will be aiding in sustaining the marvelous Monarch species. Hey, most of you are already gardeners. What say you add some Milkweed to that garden of yours, or at the very least a Butterfly Bush?
What’s the big deal, some may say? And I would say to that, one species gone today, another next week, still another the next, and before you know it, perhaps during the lifetime of your grandchildren, there will be very few species remaining to talk about.
The wonders of life, my friends. Life is friggin’ awesome, and you can quote me on that.
Sis, I may think you are the greatest, as I just mentioned in a previous comment, but you are also weird as hell. 🙂
Love always
Bro
OH! Bro, I don’t know how I forgot to mention……Of Course I see Sasquatch (or as I lovingly refer to him, “Sassy”.) He stopped by just a few days ago, looking for his pet lizard.. As usual, I told him he desperately needed a haircut….but he just growled at me. He’s grumpy as hell. Next time I see him, I’ll give him your regards & tell him you miss him. That may cheer the ole Hairball up, a bit! Love Big Sis
Your property and view sounds lovely, Sis. I wish I could sit and enjoy it with you. Say hello to the butterflies for me, Sis, and let me know if you have a sighting of Sasquatch. He’s been missing from this area for a while. 🙂
Butterflies…..Yet another of nature’s wonders that I can gaze at for hours and never tire of it. They’re so delicate, beautiful and “peaceful.” Being situated in front of a huge wooded area, I’m lucky enough to see many birds soaring above, butterflies fluttering and small furry creatures scampering around.
I know precisely what your sentiments mean, bro. I understand why you have such a love affair with Nature and the freedom to wander and bask in the beauty & serenity. Your life is special!!….HUGS, .Big Sis.
Genna, I have an uncomfortable feeling that we are not going to act soon enough. Catastrophe is on the horizon, but solutions are too slow in coming.
Blessings to you always, my friend. Thank you!
Beautiful and interesting article, Bill. It is mind blowing to learn how so many of nature’s beautiful creatures seem to have this blueprint embedded in their DNA in terms of migration, etc. Amazing. We should take a page from this in terms of listening to our instincts more, valuing not only our lives but the health and survival of our own planet. All things exist in relationship. Climate change has threatened so many species and ecosystems. The clock is ticking…and the alarm has already sounded. When the flip will humanity listen? Thank you for the heart-warming tip on the butterfly garden. 🙂