Migrating Monarchs –
Butterflies are wonderful creations. Of all the many types of butterflies, Monarchs are the king. They are big and floppy and both fly and float through the air when you see them. Right now you can find them all over West Texas because they are migrating to their winter home in Mexico.
All Monarchs from across the US and Canada fly south for the winter just like birds. They stop each night on their journey and roost in big trees while it is cold and dark. Sometimes hundreds and even thousands will stop in a nice protected canyon and rest in the cottonwood and oak trees. They drink nectar from late-blooming plants like sunflowers and blazing stars.
Soon the Monarchs will be gone for the year. We have to wait until April when they return to us. They will lay their eggs on milkweed plants, and the wonderful cycle begins again. They are always there, even when you can’t see them.
