Saturday, July 23, 2022

Saturday's Critters #449

 Yesterday, 
I read an article that said that the Monarch Butterfly is now considered to be endangered.
An interesting article from The New York Times can be read here.
I also read another well written article from NBC News, you can find that here.

In short, the problem is said to be 
climate change, deforestestation, and pesticide use which is killing milkweed,
the plant that monarchs feed on.

The hubs and I drove to two garden centers to purchase some milkweed,
neither had any.
I am going to try to expand my "nursery" to Monarchs as soon as I can.

In these pictures, they are enjoying Lantana...





- you don't just wake up and become a butterfly ~ growth is a process -

Sharing today's images with Eileen at 
for Saturday Critters

15 comments:

eileeninmd said...

Hello,
It is sad news to hear the Monarch is endangered. It is great you want to help these beauties. Your Monarchs and flowers are beautiful. Lovely series of photos. Thank you for linking up and sharing your post. Take care, enjoy your weekend.

Marie Smith said...

I wish you great success with the monarch nursery though you are the butterfly whisperer. Luck isn’t a factor.

Sandi said...

SO BEAUTIFUL I AM SCREAMING!

😂

carol l mckenna said...

magnificent butterfly shots ~ Wow!

Wishing you good health, laughter and love in your days ~ Xo

A ShutterBug Explores,
aka (A Creative Harbor)

HWIT BLOGG said...

Some beautiful shots! Wow!
Love from Titti

DeniseinVA said...

Stunning photos Debbie. I read the same article and will plant milkweed as soon as I find it.

Yvonne said...

Absolutely beautiful Monarch photos. Common milkweed is fairly aggressive, and since I already have Canadian Goldenrod and wild raspberries that we are having to battle, we plant butterfly weed. It's not as effective at protecting the caterpillars, but my garden is too small to do much more. I really admire your enthusiasm to help them. Good luck in your endeavor.

RedPat said...

I planted some milkweed in my roof garden but it didn't survive but I think I will try again.

The Furry Gnome said...

We keep Milkweed in the garden, and currently have 4 or 5 caterpillars. I've read that Monarch caterpillars will only feed on Milkweed but adult Monarchs will feed on many flowers, thus the need for pollinator gardens.

Linda said...

Such amazing photos! As always!!

Linda said...

Beautiful shots! I’ve noticed that many parks are letting milkweed grow to help the butterflies.

DrumMajor said...

I used to see lots of Monarchs. I didn't see any last year and saw one in my garden earlier this year. Linda in Kansas

Conniecrafter said...

So sad, I think there is so much that we are doing that is hurting our environment, makes me so sad to think what might not be around if we don't do something about it soon. Like I would hate that you could never share again these beauties, so pretty against your flowers!

Soma @ InkTorrents.com said...

I am seeing less Monarchs now too. Your photos are gorgeous. You are so caring, Debbie. I wish you great success with them.

-Soma

LeAnn said...

I'm so happy that I didn't miss this one. The photos are lovely, and I will treasure them. I love your nurturing heart. Your butterfly posts are some of my favorites.
Blessings to you and big hugs too!