I have not yet spotted any Monarch butterflies this season, but last week at Occoquan Bay National Wildlife Refuge I did see a number of the similarly-colored Viceroy butterflies (Limenitis archippus). Viceroy butterflies are smaller than Monarchs, but the main visual difference between the two is the black line across the hind wings that is present with Viceroys, but not with Monarchs.
I chased after one Viceroy last week for quite some time and eventually managed to get these shots.
© Michael Q. Powell. All rights reserved.
You’ve got a good eye, Mike. And top notch pics documenting the Viceroy. M 🙂
Thanks for your kind words. I love photographing what ever I can see and it seems like the more I take photos, the more I see (my ability to see subjects and reaction time have definitely improved over time.)
Well worth the effort.
So pretty. Great photos, Mike.
I saw my first one this week as well. When I see one, I have to run over and ID it, just in case it might be a monarch. 😉
Me too. Last year I saw a lot of Monarchs, which was reassuring because I remember all of the warnings about their numbers decreasing because of a loss of habitat.
The banquet is all laid out…my patch of milkweed has grown to at least 15′ across. We’re ready for ’em!
Great Images Mike ! Enjoyed seeing them!
The Viceroy is a very handsome butterfly. Nigel looked over my shoulder and loved your first photo, the way the butterfly is positioned on the arched blade.
Gorgeous! I have not seen any Monarchs yet either. And I have a huge crop of milkweed waiting for them!