Date: 04/16/2025

Number: 9

Today was partly cloudy, temps in the high 70's, with humidity shifting from 30% (wind from the NE) to 55% (wind from the S) later in the afternoon.

The wind was gusty (and dry at first), so I saw monarchs often resting or nectaring. The males were doing their usual air tussles around the thistles & patrolling, while the females were sometimes checking milkweed and egg-laying. I continue to see monarch eggs and larvae (1st thru 5th instar) on the milkweed (Asclepias viridis).

This is a female monarch I noticed resting for a good while ~ I stayed pretty far away to get the photo. I could tell she was very alert. The wind was gusting. Eventually she took off and let herself sail with the wind and then came down and began checking milkweed (now way across the pasture). I observed her lay eggs on a few milkweed and then fly into the woodland paths nearby ~ probably a good respite from the wind.

She is an example of some of the more faded-winged monarchs that I am observing. And like the others, despite having faded and/or tattered wings, she flew strongly and skillfully.

The monarchs will be here only for a while this spring. I am so appreciative of each of these lovely butterflies visiting here for a time.

Montgomery, TX

Latitude: 30.4 Longitude: -95.8

Observed by: Kathy
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