An Amazing Success Story

Ten beautiful, robust adult monarch butterflies resulted from the eggs laid by Fiona, the female monarch who visited my NE Portland garden at the end of July. They were tested for OE, a parasite that is causing significant problems among monarch populations. They were free of OE and healthy. Each butterfly received a tiny tag with a contact email address and a serial number specific to that butterfly. The information was sent to Dr. David James at WSU who leads the tagging program on the west coast. The tags, a sticker about the diameter of an aspirin, when properly positioned do not impair flight. Sightings of tagged monarchs help further our understanding of monarch behavior. (They are even developing tracking devices which could provide a wealth of information on where monarchs go).

After nectaring from flowers in my garden to fuel up for their long journey, the butterflies eventually took flight. Members of the community were on hand to bid them bon voyage. Albus, Aberforth, Rowena, Minerva, Rubius, and their siblings lovingly fostered by Patti in SE Portland, are the hope for the future. I would be thrilled to learn that one or more of them is sighted at the overwintering grounds of the Central California coast where they cluster together until the warmer days stir them to fly north begin their journey and start the next generation.

Until next year, my beautiful little friends. ❤️

Butterfly Bounce

It’s A Girl!