Each day more reports are shared of Monarchs spotted here and there, east of the Mississippi River. These sightings shimmer with the excitement of seeing a Monarch in your town, city or county, after so many months of 3′ snowfalls and so many days of zero degree F weather.
My personal estimate? I’d say that some 21,653,208 additional milkweed plants have been added to home gardens and perennial beds in the last year. All this to set the table for returning Danaus Plexippus. Nary a single one of us regrets the effort, cost or emotional investment.
Me? I’ve seen Monarchs this year in the Jamestown Audubon Center in northwest New York, in Frick Park in Pittsburgh and in the Briar Patch Butterfly Habitat in Eatonton, Georgia. Today is June 28th, and I think the table is set for their return. So many knowledgeable folks are striving to insure their success, that I am encouraged that we will soon enjoy them. Tomorrow or the next day.
Jeff
Winged Beauty Butterflies 
Thanks for sharing this beautiful shot, Jeff. So far no monarchs in my area. Last year they came later. Hopefully we will see them later in the summer and fall.
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TOTALLY love that photo!
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This is an interesting shot with the brilliant colors and sharp edges of the butterfly against the very blurred soft background. Very nice. You must have patience to wait for the butterfly to be absolutely quiet to capture its beauty so well in a photo
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In the background is the Cathedral of Learning tower of the University of Pittsburgh, further well known as the roof nesting side of peregrine falcons, for some years now. FYI.
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