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Where are the Monarchs?
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Where are the Monarchs?

by Howard Cheek

Gallery: Man & FaunaPosted October 6, 2014223 views3 comments
"The number of Monarch butterflies wintering in Mexico plunged this year to its lowest level since studies began in 1993, leading experts to announce Wednesday that the insects' annual migration from the United States and Canada is in danger of disappearing."
(USA Today).

So why are the Monarchs vanishing? Deforestation in Mexico, recent bouts of severe weather, and the growth of herbicide-based agriculture destroying crucial milkweed flora in the Midwest.

This is one of only a few Monarchs I've spotted here all season.
Same with the Honey Bee, a very sparse presence.:frown:

F/13, 1/500th, ISO 500, 1D M3, Sigma 150mm f/2.8 + 1.4x ext.
Clear/sunny @ 11:23am using a monopod for support.

Comments

3 comments
Comment posted by Mike Ramy on October 6, 2014 at 10:52 AM
Hey Howard,
Very nice Environmental Photojournalism piece you have here. A sweet image that represents the subject in all its beauty with a very informative narrative that is educational and makes the viewer more informed
Thanks for sharing . . .
Registered on June 16, 2012, 567 Posts, 2809 Comments
Comment posted by John Tobias on October 7, 2014 at 8:19 AM
Nice one Howard! Good color and pose. I have also noticed a lack of swallow tails this summer.
Registered on September 12, 2009, 2120 Posts, 6455 Comments
Comment posted by Rick Turner on October 31, 2014 at 9:57 AM
I have not seen many this year either Howard. This is a beauty. :wavey:
Registered on February 18, 2012, 534 Posts, 2755 Comments