Letter from Estela Romero: Denser Concentration of Monarchs
Greetings,
For over a week now, the plummeting temperatures have relinquished their grip, and the monarchs stir from their hibernation amidst the chilly embrace of the Oyamel tree forests.
The colonies begin to stir, shifting within their domain, seeking out nourishment in the form of nectar, water, and the rejuvenating rays of the sun. Despite a noticeable decline in population compared to previous years, the El Rosario colony, nestled in the sanctuary of La Virgencita, takes on a resplendent beauty in February. Clusters, though smaller, gather in medium to large groups, signaling the onset of the mating phase.
Meanwhile, over at Sierra Chincua in El Llanito, the colony maintains its majestic allure. Similar to El Rosario, it too sees a denser concentration of monarchs, forming sizable clusters. Like fleeting glimpses of sunlight, the monarchs flutter between their wooded haven and the tranquil expanse of El Llanito below, showing little inclination to venture further for now. The mating season at Sierra Chincua appears to proceed at a leisurely pace.
I will close with a quote often cited using the Matlazinca-Otomí language: "Creation birthed the sun, which in turn bestows its radiant rays; in winter, these rays transform into luminous orange gems, warming the Earth and all beings, nurturing the soil, pollinating the flowers, and enriching life itself. These celestial gifts, embodiments of the ancient divine, remain untouched by avian appetites, hence proliferating abundantly above all other creatures. They are the sun's arrows, akin to jewels heralding the Winter Solstice and the Spring Equinox...The Earth was theirs before we took it as ours." This beautiful indigenous writing is referenced in the history of our local archeological site of Zirahuato.
Estela Romero
Journey North
Angangueo, Michoacán, México
Estela Romero is an environmental educator with Monarchs Across Georgia. Reporting from Angangueo, Michoacán, Estela Romero’s work is made possible by funding from Monarchs Across Georgia and the Monarch Butterfly Fund.
Translated and edited by Nancy Sheehan, Journey North Program Coordinator with the help of www.DeepL.com/Translator (free version)
