Monarchs on the move

Remember a few years ago when the forest was glittering with gypsy moths? Well, our goldenrod ( and other native) meadow is glittering with monarchs today and I’m much happier. It’s amazing to see 30 or more monarchs in every cluster of goldenrod. I guess they are nectaring and gathering strength to make the first generation journey south. Pictures and even phone videos just don’t capture the magic. I can almost imagine the splendor that happens in Mexico.

Monarch

While we haven't seen many Monarch caterpillars, we do seem to have lots of pollinators this year, despite the cool, wet spring.

A grove of milkweed has taken a liking to the space under the front windows.  I watched bumble bees, honey bees, other assorted bee/pollinators, a swallowtail, a monarch, and this guy all afternoon not 6" from my face.  Mesmerizing! And the aroma of this milkweed is delightful.
That was after the cow came back to bother Remington.  She's been loose about a month now and has traveled far and wide.  She's Dead Meat Walking according to her owner.