Back to this week's update.

Fading Fast
"A very faded, translucent monarch male in our pasture yesterday," wrote Mr. Aschen two weeks ago (April 6) from Texas. This image shows how a monarch's wings change over time. Assuming this male has been alive since last August, it's nearly 8 months old! Imagine how far he has traveled during his long life.

Faded-winged monarch captured in Texas on April 7, 2011. Courtesy of Harlen Aschen

Image: Harlen Aschen