72°f/22°C, some clouds but mostly sunny. Possible storms later today.
As i was watering this morning, I happened to see this visitor.
Pretty exciting, as we have not sen them in summer before, although we did get some migrators passing through. But we have encouraged milkweed on our place, and apparently Brazilian Verbena is very attractive to Monarch butterflies because that is where I saw this one. He was sure busy on those flowers before resting in an apple tree. Actually, it seems all butterflies like the verbena, as it has constant visitors.
I saw a Monarch earlier this week but didn't get a photo. It too was on the Brazilian Verbena. I have had this flower in my gardens for at least 20 years. It's very tall and spicy, kinda messy actually as it self- seeds everywhere. It would be great if I could confine it to the backs of my gardens but it doesn't stay there, and I don't have the heart to pull it up. But this is the first year I have seen the monarchs on it, so I am very pleased. Guess I will continue to let it grow where it will!
Lucky you. I haven't seen a Monarch yet so far this summer.
ReplyDeleteGreat to see a Monarch. We too have encouraged the Verena, as well as Milkweed, so we're hoping for success.
ReplyDelete...I have yet to see one.
ReplyDeleteSounds like a plan. I doubt that I will see any Monarchs here in town.
ReplyDeleteThat's a very pretty butterfly!
ReplyDeleteHow wonderful to see the Monarch butterfly in your garden. Lovely photos:)
ReplyDeleteNature finds a way... good for the Monarchs.
ReplyDeleteIt's always a treat to see a monarch. I have seen one swallowtail, but other than that my butterflies have been limited to cabbage butterflies. :(
ReplyDeleteI've only seen one monarch this summer. Yours is beautiful and posed at the perfect spot!
ReplyDeleteCongratulations for seeing a monarch (or 2)! It's too hot for me to sit outside and wait for one, most of the time. Fog first thing this morning, then zoom into the 70s on it's way to the 80s. Shady spots are most welcome!
ReplyDeleteI saw one the other day on a pansy. Mostly wee swallowtail butterflies but even they are rather scarce. Another mystery is what has happened to the hummingbirds. They were active on our feeder before we went away but have disappeared.
ReplyDeleteI have a whole container of milkweed seed that I collected. This fall, I'm going to take it to the new house and seed an area back behind the old house on the property, down by the creek. I hope that I see scores of butterflies next summer.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful picture of the beautiful Monarch. I just read that butterflies rest with their wings open but moths rest with their wings folded closed. Not sure if that's true but that Monarch certainly seemed at rest.
ReplyDeleteI love the pretty butterflies, in fact I have a collection ( all obtained very legally mostly from Butterfly farms). Sadly we rarely see any other than Cabbage Whites.
ReplyDeleteTwo days ago the Monarchs were on the milkweed in our yard. We’ll check for eggs and bring them indoors to raise them free from predation if we find any.
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