Marvelous Monarch

Walking around the Mission Marsh conservation area on afternoon we spotted this magnificent male Monarch Butterfly feeding on the Golden Rod (along side a couple of honey bees).

These really are amazing insects. Did you know that the monarch is unique among butterflies in that rather than hibernate they migrate to a warmer climate with the changing seasons. For those that spend the summer months in Ontario it means a 6,000 km commute to Mexico. I find that really amazing, they look so fragile but they can travel such enormous distances. It is no wonder they spend such a long time feeding up on the sweet nectar that nature provides. 

Monarch of the skies

So this afternoon I have been to Mission Marsh just outside of Thunder Bay in Ontario. Yes I am in Canada for a holiday and I am going to be taking my camera with me everywhere I go. The shots however were captured using the camera on my phone and are exactly as shot.

This beautiful monarch butterfly is really one of nature's marvels. Every year they migrate from Mexico and as the summer comes to and end here in the north they navigate their way back to Mexico. Can you imagine that, something so delicate as this can fly all that way. Amazing!

Here it is feeding on Golden Rod, no doubt storing up energy for the journey ahead. It really looks great set against the golden backdrop.

Close up on royalty

So perhaps you were expecting something different when you read the title of the blog today but this beautiful Monarch butterfly (Danaus plexippus) is worthy of the title; there is something very regal about it with its bold colours and striking pattern. With wings outstretched it looks very much like a stained glass window, and close up it has such poise.

I think you will agree this is a real beauty.

Photography requires a great deal of patience, whatever subject you choose to focus on but with wildlife it is even more necessary and butterflies and insects in particular can be a real challenge. When you finally get the shot you want though, it is absolutely worth it.