Date: 03/12/2018

Number: 1

I saw this beautiful faded female monarch as I was out looking at the newly emerging milkweed plants. First, I found monarch eggs on some of the plants (surprise!) and then about 30 minutes later this lovely monarch came fluttering past. She was going by the milkweed plants, but not laying eggs. In this photo she is actually resting and sunbathing on the sprouts of a milkweed. She did this quite a lot ... after she sat for awhile, she would fly off and I would look where she had been. Often there would be a just beginning milkweed hidden in the grass ~ sometimes with an egg or two on it! But I am sure she was not laying them at that moment. She also nectared on wildflowers, spending most of the time on wild blackberry blossoms. Her behavior was interesting and seemed related to the fact that it was a cool, dry, clear day. It was 61 degrees F, brightly sunny, breezy, and with humidity at 37%.

I had seen a monarch on Feb. 27 nectaring on false garlic flowers, but until today had not seen another one. I also had not found any eggs until today. In fact, the milkweed has just been emerging this last week. So thankful she came and is finding a nursery for her eggs. It is a joy just to see her!

Montgomery, TX

Latitude: 30.4 Longitude: -95.8

Observed by: Kathy
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