Monarch butterflies, Danaus plexippus, may be one of the most distinctive of all Lepidopterans, almost everyone can identify the formerly ubiquitous species as they flutter by. Their bright orange and black markings make them recognizable to humans and serve as a warning to predators; they may be beautiful, but they are also bitter and toxic. Most…
The great migration has begun! While many birds migrate to southern climes to overwinter, the migration of monarch butterflies can be so dramatic and impressive, people gather at popular viewing sites to see the sky darken with winged beauties and swarms can be tracked by weather radar. In spite of a tough year, due to drought,…
Disappointing Decline Each year monarch butterflies, Danaus plexippus, travel 3,000 miles migrating to and from overwintering sites in Mexico. It is known to be one of the most spectacular migration events on earth, but it appears to be in decline. There are many factors affecting monarch populations including; habitat loss, drought conditions, misuse of pesticides, reduced availability…
Migration Station In addition to providing oxygen, acting as a carbon dioxide sink, giving shade, contributing building products, reducing energy costs and consumption and imparting aesthetic value trees are also habitat and forage for many species of birds. Birds roost in trees when undertaking migrations of several thousands of miles as well as nesting and…
