Monarch (Danaus plexippus)

Monarchs Are Migrating Through Now

September 20, 2026

Today, many Monarchs (Danaus plexippus) gathering at the Goldenrod (Solidago) on the back hill, two, three, even eight at a time. Getting the nectar they need to go south on their long journey to their winter home. Today’s event went on for hours after they were first discovered, until the sun was setting.

Twice before I’ve witnessed Monarch migration, many years ago when the cabin was relatively new. Two years in a row, flying for the most part above the cabin on their way south, a few at a time, a constant stream, all day long.

I managed to get many photos today, but right now I’m unable to get to them, so this image of a Monarch on Wild Ageratum (Conoclinium coelestinum) will represent the event for now.

What a remarkable thing to witness.

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Oh MY! So Tiny!

August 29, 2026

Yesterday I was out looking for Monarch caterpillars (Danaus plexippus), not knowing if I would actually find any. But sure enough I found one in a patch of Common Milkweed (Asclepias syriaca). A Monarch caterpillar much smaller than I have ever seen in the past. The caterpillar in this picture is just 1/4 inch long, and this one is not newly hatched. They measure just 1/10 of an inch at that point and have no stripes.

There is a key connection between Monarchs and Milkweed plants. Female Monarchs seek out Milkweed plants on which to lay their eggs. Once hatched, the caterpillars only eat the leaves of the Milkweed which holds a milky, toxin filled sap, that is harmful to many animals, but is tolerated and stored not only in the caterpillars but also in the adult Monarch. This toxin creates a bad taste and can cause sickness in predators with backbones (vertebrates), protecting the Monarchs from being eaten.

Nature is amazing.

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Monarch On A Wild Ageratum

August 15, 2026

I was really pleased to see a Monarch (Danaus plexippus) this afternoon, sipping nectar at a Wild Ageratum (Conoclinium coelestinum).

During late summer into autumn, their favorite sources for nectar are goldenrod, asters, wild ageratum and Joe-Pye weed.

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Coming Through, One By One

October 7, 2025

Recently during the course of a day, if I’m lucky, I’ll see one, or if I’m really lucky I’ll see two Monarchs (Danaus plexippus) come flying through.

They’re looking for late blooming flowers to provide nectar which they need to fuel their long journey south and to build up fat reserves for the coming winter in the Oyamel Fir Forests of Mexico. Once they arrive at their winter home, they won’t eat anything, in a state of torpor, living off those fat reserves that they have built up during their migration.

I haven’t seen any today. Perhaps I won’t see any more this season. Really looking forward to seeing them next year.

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Monarchs Coming Through

September 23, 2025

A Monarch (Danaus plexippus) taking a quick break during its long migration, getting a sip of nectar this afternoon.

They’re coming through on their way to their winter home, the high-altitude fir forests of central Mexico.

The journey for the eastern segment of the Monarch population can involve traveling up to 2,500 to 3,000 miles, or even more. They travel, at the most, from Canada and the northern United States to Mexico. The western segment travels fewer miles, most of them spending the winter months along the southern California coast.

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