Monarch Migration

By Kieran

 The Migration of the Monarch Butterfly - defying science in stunning fashion


 

Original artwork and poem by Kieran Gonsalves (c) 2025 - Be warned, once you see the millions of Monarchs you cannot unsee it. Visit https://youtube.com/shorts/WwlWgK-mHjI

Día de los Muertos, or Day of the Dead, is special for the people of Michoacán in Mexico.
 
Each year, millions of Monarch butterflies end a 3000 mile migration to meet here alfresco.
 
 
The annual arrival of monarch butterflies at this precise time has become a symbol of hope
 
Imagine millions of wings fluttering in unison in the misty oyamel fir forests - total dope!
 
 
The dense forest canopy filters out the scorching sun, heavy rain showers and nighttime frost 
 
Giving the butterflies safety in numbers, their treacherous 3,000-mile journey will not be lost
 
 
Scientists are baffled; butterflies usually live for 6 weeks, so how come four generations know?
 
Evolution has yet another twist: the fourth generation saves its energy for survival, not libido.
 
 
This super generation lives for 9 months, covering 3000 miles to the wintering grounds and back
 
Weighing no more than a raindrop, they go 100-miles a day riding thermals with nectar as a snack
 
 
Even when burning energy, they store enough lipid reserves for four months of winter hibernation
 
If you come across a Monarch, remember what we think is impossible is a breeze for God's creation


Footnote: My fascination about the migration of monarch butterflies took flight when I read about the lifelong passion of a Canadian boy, Fred Urquhart who spent a lifetime figuring out where Monarchs went for the winter. You can watch an interview with Dr Fred Urquhart here  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tNLIl_AvgIA 

Comments

Anonymous said…
I have monarchs dropping by for a sip of nectar. 😊. Very classy signature too!! (A supportive family member from Texas)
November 5, 2025 at 6:45 PM
Kieran said…
Yes, we too grow milkweed abundantly - the monarch need milkweed to remain poisonous to birds etc. - Kieran
November 5, 2025 at 6:46 PM
Anonymous said…
That butterfly is awesome! (WhatsApp comment from my niece in Canada)
November 5, 2025 at 6:47 PM
Kieran said…
Glad you liked it. These past few days I am exploring the color wheel and the use of an undercoat to make the colour pop out. - Kieran
November 5, 2025 at 6:47 PM
Anonymous said…
Where does the 3000 mile journey start from? (WhatsApp comment from a good friend in Florida)
November 5, 2025 at 6:49 PM
Kieran said…
In autumn from Canadian provinces of Ontario and Quebec > Over the Great Lakes > Mid West > Texas > New Mexico > S California > Mexico

And back in Spring - Kieran
November 5, 2025 at 6:50 PM
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