Monarchs at South Llano

This evening, after a frustrating afternoon trying to see turkeys, Danielle found a roost of Monarch Butterflies in a grove Frost Weed near the entrance parking lot at South Llano State Park. In total, there were probably 20 butterflies. Some were feeding on the Frost Weed (first picture). Others had already settled down for the night in the trees above (second picture).  We were able to spend a half hour observing and photographing them.

The next morning, Danielle reported the observation in a log book at the park headquarters. She later received a thank you from a park volunteer who said that she had been able to lead nature tours later that day and had observed about 100 butterflies.

Canon 7DII, EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L II, 463mm, f/10, 1/250s, ISO-800, Flash

Canon 7DII, EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L II, 463mm, f/10, 1/250s, ISO-400, Flash