Last weekend I was outside weeding and pruning in some of my flower beds when I heard my neighbor yelling. I went over to see what was going on, and I'm glad I did. It was a birth day!
My neighbor had noticed the monarch caterpillar in her garden and had kept a close eye out for the chrysalis. She's got this pierced metal garden decoration thing and with her keen eyesight had spied the chrysalis inside.
Her excited yelling signaled that the monarch was emerging.
You can tell it's a male from the black spots on its hind wings and thinner black webbing within the wings. I've been hoping and looking for a caterpillar, chrysalis, or any signs of a monarch in my own yard and on my walks, so I was glad to be alerted that it was happening next door.
It was a wonderful weekend and wonderful sight!
Fabulous!!! Thanks for getting these great photos and sharing the story with us!
ReplyDeleteHow exciting! Congrats on the new arrival! ;-)
ReplyDeleteWell, wonderful new arrivals in your neighborhood - both human and butterfly!
ReplyDeleteAmazing! So beautiful. You managed to get some gorgeous pictures Bonny!
ReplyDeleteWhat an experience! I would love to see that happen, especially since they seem to be on an extinct trajectory these days. Maybe you should plant some milkweed?
ReplyDeleteBeautiful photos!
ReplyDeleteThanks! I think my neighbor and I each took a hundred or more photos.
DeleteLove it! So glad you got to be there!
ReplyDeleteOh, that is SO COOL!!!! I have lots of Monarchs and caterpillars in my garden, but I've yet to find an actual chrysalis!!! I keep looking, but no luck so far. What beautiful photos, Bonny. I'm so glad you were there to share the experience with your neighbor. (And then to share it with us!) XO
ReplyDeleteHow cute is that???
ReplyDeleteWow! Perhaps there *IS* hope! Echos of delight! Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteVery cool!
ReplyDeleteThanks! I thought so, too!
DeleteWhoo hoo! A reason for hope. I never thought much about determining the sex of a butterfly so thanks for some new wonder.
ReplyDeleteHow truly exceptional to see a monarch unfurl its beautiful wings. May its travels be safe and he be well fed!
ReplyDeletefantastic photos!! my sister goes crazy for butterflies and goes on and on about them--she has yet to achieve what you have by witnessing a birth :)
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