Date: 10/20/2000

Number: 1

While eating a picnic lunch at Our Lady of Lourdes Grotto on Oblate Road, San Antonio, TX, we noticed a huge Live Oak tree, central to the grove, was full of resting monarchs. What a beautiful sight! We estimated 1000 were in that tree, with only a few other trees containing a scant population in comparison. There was a light breeze which periodically caused those resting in the branches to temporarily take flight before resuming their well-camoflauged position among the oak's branches. They clearly preferred this massive centrally-positioned tree to all the others, as well as shunning many bright garden beds with plumbago, lantana, and salvia in full bloom. A large percentage of these butterflies appeared to be faded in coloration, but about two-thirds were quite vibrant. As thunderclouds rolled in late that afternoon, and today was filled with numerous showers, we wonder if we'll see them if we visit the Grotto tomorrow. ~~ Bright Star Academy (MJEA)

San Antonio, TX

Latitude: 29.5 Longitude: -98.5

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