I was absolutely thrilled to spot several Monarch butterflies (Danaus plexippus) yesterday during a visit to Occoquan Bay National Wildlife Refuge. Every year I worry that I will not see any Monarchs due to a reported decrease in suitable habitats, although I don’t think that Monarchs are officially on the endangered species list at the present time.
The Monarchs that I saw were very much focused on a particular patch of wildflowers, so I had a chance to move about a bit to frame my photos, as you can see below.
I have fond childhood memories of seeing photos of migration of Monarch butterflies in National Geographic magazine, and every time that I see them, it brings back those memories.
© Michael Q. Powell. All rights reserved.
Mike Powell 
Wow!
Georgeous photos, Mike. And I too love to see Monarchs, it give me hope that they still thrive.
Thanks, Suzette. I hope that we are as successful in safeguarding the Monarchs as we have been with the bald eagle that are now fairly common along the Potomac River near where I live in Northern Virginia.
Yes, I hope so too. Thank you Mike.
Oh so delightful, Mike, to see these gorgeous monarch photos.
Gorgeous