Here They Come…..There They Go….

It's that time of year again, fall is approaching. Leaves are beginning to turn and monarch butterflies are migrating south. I see them swooping along — coming from the north/northeast, heading west/southwest. Amazing, fragile, beautiful creatures….but also strong enough to get all the way to Mexico for the winter.

I remember sailing on the Chesapeake at this time of year and some weekends we'd be lucky to see dozens or more as they crossed the water. Occasionally one or two would stop and rest on Connemara, perching on a side rail or the sail cover or in the cockpit. They would sit for a little while, slowly opening and closing their wings and then set off again. 

Here I see them when Fenway and I go for a walk. Or I notice a glimpse of black and orange fluttering by outside a window. I spotted one yesterday sitting on our little deck. They sometimes pause, rest on a flower bloom, gather fuel, and take off again. Driven by a migratory instinct. 

Amazing really……this generation of monarchs will make it all the way to Mexico……reproduce and then next spring we'll see the butterflies moving in the opposite direction seeking mid-west milkweed plants. 

So look up and watch for a little orange. Cheer them on…crossing state lines and finally crossing the border with Mexico. Immigrants…..the kind no one complains about.