Date: 07/26/2017

Number: 4

We had planned to go shopping on a rainy day, and headed into Traverse City. Thankfully the rain passed, and we decided to visit Mission Point Lighthouse. This is one of my favorite monarch hotspots. And it did not disappoint.

Unfortunately, I did not bring my good camera. All I had was my cellphone. A light drizzle gave way, and I began searching the shore in front of the lighthouse where large stands of common milkweed can be found. As I scanned the milkweed, I startled a monarch on the grass in the sand. It was clearly freshly eclosed, its wings not quite dry enough to fly well. A patrolling male did several flybys, even dipping at the lake for a drink.

I was surprised to find two more freshly eclosed monarchs. I found 3 males and a female in total. Maya joined me and we both took photos. I hand-caught one fresh male, gently checking its wings. As soon as I pinched its wings, I felt they were indeed damp and soft, and I immediately pulled my hand away. It then flew to my knee and crawled up on me. I held out my hand and it crawled on, and I carried it to hide it safely in the milkweed. We noticed other people headed our way, and quickly left in order to hide the location of the monarchs. They needed time for their wings to harden, undisturbed.

What a beautiful experience.

The perfect anniversary gift!

More photos here https://photos.app.goo.gl/hmttqiDQpmChYISf1

Traverse City, MI

Latitude: 45 Longitude: -85.5

Observed by: candy
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