Tuesday, September 29, 2015

Red Car Canyon: Monarch Butterfly

Photo: Jonathan Vandiveer, September 28, 2015.  While walking his kids with dogs through Red Car Canyon, Vandiveer discovered Monarch Butterfly, just barely clinging to life.  It was a rare opportunity for his kids to see one up close.  Summer Monarchs live 2 - 5 weeks, winter Monarchs up to 9 months.
Photo: Jonathan Vandiveer, September 28, 2015.  This time of year, the Monarchs flock to Red Car Canyon because of the Silk Floss Tree blooming on a street directly adjacent the canyon.  On sunny afternoons, the wooded canyon becomes magical, as beams of light filter through the trees with dozens of Monarchs fluttering through.  It is very cinematic.  

Learn more about Monarchs: 
Monarch Watch
Butterflies and their larval foodplants (UCI)
Butterflies of Orange County (UCI)

Click here for all our Monarch Butterfly posts