Date: 09/21/2002

Number: 1

For the last 2 weeks, I've been enjoying an unusual experience. I mentioned in an earlier report of finding a very playful, lively monarch sipping the sticky nectar on a sunflower. Since then this bright young monarch has taken over the small flower garden with a fountain splashing near our deck that's planted with mostly butterfly plants - zinnia, lantanya, hummingbird sage, salvia, petunias, etc. "Ace" our winged wonder seems to use the nearby crabapple and weeping willow as his(?)lookout/roost. Tuesday, another Monarch (Amelia) with crippled awkward wings joined him. Family and guests are delighted as the pair conducts dancing flyby inspections of nearly everyone coming or going. I've never noticed Monarchs responding or seeming to interact with people before!My "guard" Monarchs also put on wonderful airshows playing on the wind currents that swirl around our A-frame. Rainy weather(at last - 26 days without rain!) grounded them yesterday. I keep reminding them it's time to think

Marne, MI

Latitude: 43.1 Longitude: -85.8

Observed by:
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