Two weeks ago, we visited the Pismo Monarch Butterfly Grove on the Central Coast of California. Monarchs from around the Western United States overwinter in a variety of such locations in California. The Western Monarch is endangered and in long term decline, with disastrously low return counts a few years ago. But last year's census was surprisingly strong, raising hope that they can be saved. This year's November butterfly count is currently underway, expected to conclude on December 3rd. We were visiting well before peak season, but there were already thousands of butterflies in residence.
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The butterflies here like to hang out in a grove of eucalyptus trees next to the beach. The undersides of their wings are a subdued tan-brown color, which resembles a dead leaf. The butterflies usually close their wings to show this incognito aspect. But any disturbance (wind, heat, predator, new arrival) will cause a ripple of top-side orange to move across the clusters.
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Occasionally, an entire cluster will take off in an explosion of orange called a cluster burst. I haven't been lucky enough to witness one yet, much less photograph it.
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