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Project Noah Nature School
Danaus plexippus
Every autumn, thousands of beautiful monarchs flock to the delicately-balanced microclimate of the habitat at the Monarch Grove Sanctuary. They cluster on the trees in thick bunches, looking like triangular dead brown leaves until, warmed by the morning sun, they spread their wings and drift among the branches.
The microclimate of the Monarch Grove Sanctuary is composed of Monterey pines and eucalyptus trees in a closed canopy, natural buffering windbreaks, a temperature that remains in the moderate zone all winter, close proximity to nectar sources and morning fog for moisture.
An epic display of an estimated 12,000 this year and is the first rise in population in nearly a decade. With butterflies flying everywhere the eye can see, it truly was a mystical and enchanting kingdom - like something out of a fantasy book.
Spotted on Dec 12, 2013
Submitted on Dec 16, 2013
38 Comments (1–25)
Oh I'm so glad they had a rise last year. I hope they have one this year as well! What an incredible sight that must have been. Thanks for sharing!
Thank you very very much Stanislav :)
very very nice series of ptohotos :)
Thank you very much Tom and Sarah! Sorry for not getting back to you earlier. Happy New Years!
INCREDIBLE!! :) I watched a documentary on them....truly amazing!!
What a nice sighting!
Well thanks guys :)
Good job, you!
Oh my god, beautiful shot :)
Thanks Tiz and Larry!
Very very nice Joshua!
Cool Josh!
Thank you very much sunnyjosef, Carol, and Chamalka! Seeing so many of them is truly mind-blowing :)
Wow!!! Great to see so much of them!!!
WONDERFUL!!!! I love the series. I would love to see this in person. Great!!
wow amazing....
Wow! Thanks so much everyone! I'm glad you are all enjoying them :D
Stunning!
just wow !!!! great spotting
Truly epic display!
amazing..
!!
Usually I am a little "dry", but this time there is only a huge "WOW" from me!!!!
Incredible ! Thanks for sharing !
Thank you for sharing such an amazing advent!