Date: 04/11/2015

Number: 1

This was a sunny morning about 67 degrees F at 10:45am with tiny breezes ~~ lovely! A wonderful male monarch was nectaring on a yellow thistle (Cirsium horridulum). Yellow thistles are favorites of monarchs, bees, other butterflies, and all manner of insects. They look unsightly and certainly are spiky (sacred plant of Thor), but they must be full of delicious nectar, judging by their constant visitors.

Later, around 12:30pm I saw several egg-laying females in different parts of the pasture. I especially enjoyed watching a very faded, beautiful monarch as she fluttered in and out between grapevines along our fence line. She was laying eggs on the milkweed intermittently, but also just seemed to enjoy the ambiance of the dewy air, sunlight, and protective vines. She floated so gracefully in and out of the leafy foliage, entranced and entrancing, creating a timeless moment of happiness.

Today I started a rough count of eggs and larvae on the milkweeds in our yard and pastures. After a couple of hours peering closely at milkweed and quite tired, I decide to continue the count tomorrow. Will give that result on my next report.

Dobbin, TX

Latitude: 30.4 Longitude: -95.8

Observed by: Kathy
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