Monarch butterfly (Danaus plexippus) on Cleome
Since my last Butterfly Journal report I recorded 2 observations, bringing the 2021 annual butterfly total for my garden to 599 (30 species)*.
[*Including a Painted Lady seen in town the overall 2021 annual butterfly total is an even 600 (31 species).]
Butterfly Sightings 11/13/2021 – 11/18/2021
11/13/2021 Fiery Skipper – Hylephila phyleus 1
11/13/2021 Monarch – Danaus plexippus 1
Last Sunday, November 13, was our first morning waking up to temperatures below freezing. It was also the only day of butterfly activity detected in my garden this week. A glorious late-morning sighting of a fresh, male monarch sent me outdoors to document this late arrival.
The butterfly flew in and among the beds tasting a number of plants along the way, including dianthus.
Monarch butterfly (Danaus plexippus)
For a time it settled in the meditation circle attracted to verbena bonariensis and eventually to cleome. Determinedly fighting a gusty wind the butterfly resembled someone in a storm wrestling an unwieldy umbrella.
Monarch butterfly (Danaus plexippus)
Monarch butterfly (Danaus plexippus)
Monarch butterfly (Danaus plexippus)
Monarch butterfly (Danaus plexippus)
Throughout the week the thermometer readings dipped a few times again below 32F, but ironically we had beautiful and warm days with highs reaching to mid-70s. Seeing the monarch Sunday lifted my expectations that a few more stragglers might wander through, but searching most days among the remaining flowers yielded no further butterfly treasure.
One afternoon I saw a good number of yellow jackets reigning over the camellias, while two sluggish carpenter bees had the chrysanthemums to themselves. Lady bugs flew by (some are creeping into the house) and, so it goes.
Eastern Carpenter Bee on Chrysanthemum
After spending months looking so closely inward toward the garden, in the early hours of this morning my attention focused skyward to observe the full Beaver Moon of November 2021 in the longest partial lunar eclipse in 580 years. Around 4 a.m. EDT, near the peak of the eclipse, I joined my fellow curious humans to observe the moon 97% covered by the Earth’s shadow. Bathed in a reddish glow our planet’s natural satellite was resplendent as it cast light over this little garden.
Hope awe and wonder filtered through your life this week.
Monarch butterfly (Danaus plexippus)
pbmGarden 
Glad one of the late hatchlings made it down your way. It has been a hopeful year for monarchs. They are pretty tough, weathering light frosts like they do. I’ve enjoyed your weekly sighting reports, Susie. Butterflies gladden the heart!
Yes it’s good news for monarchs. From local reports some species are down this year. Thanks so much for letting me share my butterflies with you.
Any idea where the monarch is going? Did you see the numbers in California are up?
Couldn’t see its itinerary but hope it is safe somewhere! Glad the counts are up this year!
I have not seen any recently and my milkweed is untouched. Hmmm. I was happy to read about the counts.
That’s too bad. Hope the milkweed gets a few fans soon. How late in the season do you usually see monarchs?
I really don’t know. The butterflies here don’t come out unless we have perfect sunny windless weather. Monarchs are year round here.
Butterflies are tough – and persistent. The cloudless sulphurs are still here even though the heatwave last week knocked out the shrub’s flowers. Best wishes for a pleasant weekend, Susie!
That we could all be so resilient! Thanks Kris, you too!
When you see how much movement there was in the video it’s amazing you got such great pictures.
Thanks Susan. Credit my iphone for the pictures. Yes the wind was something that day–a challenge for the butterfly and for me.
I would, but I use one too and know they are no miracle cure. I’ll credit your patience. 🙂
What a treat this post is since I raked leaves this morning that had a thin layer of ice on them. 🙂
Oh Judy! That sounds a bit too invigorating!
They are beautiful creatures, aren’t they? The video is wonderful. Thanks for sharing. I miss them.
Yes, the monarchs are beautiful! Glad you enjoyed the video, Beth. Happy Thanksgiving.
Beautiful shot of the butterfly. Is that particularly late to see Monarchs? How lovely you could see the eclipse. It wasn’t visible here, but I have seen one before and it was fascinating.