Monarch - Not so pretty anymore

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aolander

Well-known member
She's probably flown many miles to get here, has lost most of her color and is missing part of a forewing, but she pushes on, hoping to lay some eggs before she dies.

D500, 200-500mm f/5.6 @ 500mm handheld

monarch2-1.jpg
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Thank you again, Dan. Wasn't going to post it since the butterfly was so drab, but I thought it showed another part of their life.
You’re welcome, Alan.
I was born a devil’s advocate, often presenting a …ahem… different point of view. On another site, I have posited to ‘not let the perfect be the enemy of the good’. I mostly admire photos with good composition and lighting. Razor sharpness is good, but not a total priority. I print at home so I can get by with a bit of local softness here and there. 16 x 20, you’d practically have to press your nose on it to pixel peep.
You’ve been pulling off a trifecta. Kudos.
 
Great composition.

You bring up a good point about the Monarch and the image helps tell the story of the probable long journey.

I wonder if that is why it seems that all of our Monarch never seem to stop flying? I even made a comment about it to another photographer and they agreed that the little buggers never seem to settle down! In years past, I don't remember seeing them do this as much. I need to do some research!
 
Great composition.

You bring up a good point about the Monarch and the image helps tell the story of the probable long journey.

I wonder if that is why it seems that all of our Monarch never seem to stop flying? I even made a comment about it to another photographer and they agreed that the little buggers never seem to settle down! In years past, I don't remember seeing them do this as much. I need to do some research!
Andrew, I seldom see Monarchs that aren’t flying about, either.
My back fence has a very healthy crop of milkweed, just showed up there, but I encourage it as much as possible. I began seeing Monarch fragments on the ground, mostly wings. I discovered a large praying mantis there. I gathered it into a small net and relocated it to a far corner of the yard. Got to keep those butterflies flying. (y)
 
Great composition.

You bring up a good point about the Monarch and the image helps tell the story of the probable long journey.

I wonder if that is why it seems that all of our Monarch never seem to stop flying? I even made a comment about it to another photographer and they agreed that the little buggers never seem to settle down! In years past, I don't remember seeing them do this as much. I need to do some research!
Thank you for your comments, Andrew. They are certainly flying machines, even with damaged wings. I see mating pairs frequently, and they're usually flying, too. I try to spot one that has stopped flying about to feed on a flower blossom. Or I'll sometimes catch one that recently emerged from its chrysalis and is not quite able to fly well yet. Their color is very fresh and vivid then, too.
 
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