Autumn is a time of transition. Not only for the trees but also for many birds and the miraculous Monarch Butterfly.
Last Friday while cruising on the Magothy River that feeds into the Chesapeake Bay, little of spots of orange caught my eye. These little bits of color were Monarch Butterflies that were traveling south for the winter.
Traveling primarily alone, I saw at least 30 Monarchs crossing the large body of water, all of them heading south. The incredible thing about this epic journey is that millions of Monarch Butterflies migrate during the fall when the days are cooler. Many of these butterflies from Maryland and other northeastern areas will end up in the mountains in Mexico. Migration occurs between mid-September through the end of October with the butterflies arriving to their final destination some 2,000 miles away by November.
The Monarch Butterfly Biosphere Reserve is an UNESCO World Heritage site outside of Valle de Brava. Of course, being the horsewoman that I am, I’ve discovered a five-day Hacienda stay that offers visits to the Monarch reserve. Visiting the butterflies by horseback is certainly on my bucket list. Perhaps I’ll see one of the Maryland migrants sunning themselves in the high Mexican sierra.
Monarchs by Horseback at Finca Enyhe
Related Articles:
Chesapeake Bay Journal “Autumn’s Gold.”
Monarch Butterfly Sanctuary Documentary
Go Mexico Guide Piedra Herrada
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Monarch_Butterfly_Biosphere_Reserve
Categories: About, Equitrekking, Foot Prints, Nature
Emily Carter ~ Nature as Art 
Absolutely amazing! I though that butterflies had very short lives. You learn something new every day!!. Thank you.
Thanks Lizzie ! It really surprised me too. I just discovered this story about the Monarchs this year. I hope to get to Mexico one day to see their winter home.
Simply Beautiful – Have a Great One Today:)
Thank you so much Renee ! I’ve been so busy this week I haven’t had time to write. Hope all is well with you.
Fantastic images of this true beauty!
Either I got lucky or I’m actually getting better at this photography thing Phil. 🙂
You are doing great!
¡Que bellas tomas!, me encantaron, besos
Los Mariposas son maravillosa no? Solamenta era uno. Gracias y cuidale.
So, so beautiful! 🙂
Thank you Maggie. Bet if it landed on your nose it would tickle.
Very, very beautiful!…amazing Orofiorentino from italy
I’m so happy to share this with you across the waterways. Grazie !
Now that would be something, to see the Monarchs by horseback. Great idea! Nice shots too.
Seeing the monarchs in their winter reserve is on my list! Thank you for the reminder and the lovely idea to do so on horseback!