All The Monarchs Two by Two

          Our surprise dramatic endings to the butterfly seasons continued today, as not only did Mr. Bean emerge, and Keith climb our tiny willow tree (surprise, NOT milkweed!) to J, but while monitoring their progress Stephanie called out, "Was that a Monarch that just flew by?"  I went to the garden and Lo and Behold, a pair of Monarchs, so fresh and new they might be relatives, were feeding for hours preparing for the journey ahead. They did not seem to mind, and indeed competed with, our Sikorsky-sized bumblebees for the best flowers. 

         Mr. Bean, another male, seen above with Bruno's empty chrysalis, was a quick delivery, but perhaps was a little impatient to take wing. As he flew out of the enclosure, a downdraft caught him and swept him to the ground before he had made it five feet, leaving him on his back laying on the concrete! We used a leaf as a spatula and flipped him over. Shakily, he got his four legs under him, and caught his breath. 

      He paused just long enough for us to worry that there was some defect, some malformation during his 20 days inside. Fortunately, he finally lifted off safely and flew up into the trees. "Oh My Lord! What if I had stepped on him?!" said Stephanie.
      Back in the garden, the hungry travelers finished their long visit. The sun caught one sipping a single verbena flower.