Three for Thursday: Not Just Another Monarch Monday

As I relaxed in my chair Monday morning, and surveyed the garden, I caught a flicker of movement out of the corner of my eye and turned to see a Monarch butterfly sitting motionless on a bamboo stake.  Taking a closer look, I spotted an empty chrysalis hanging from the clematis vine.   I watched as the newly emerged butterfly slowly crept up the stake in search of sunlight, then paused at the top of the short stake, uncertain of where to go.  So I stepped in to lend a helping hand.



I sat with this regal beauty for several minutes in awe and wonder, thanking her for the opportunity to bid her welcome to the world and help her prepare for her first flight.  I cheered softly each time she expanded her wings, pumping body fluid through her soft veins. 



I marveled at her perfection: I later read in my BUTTERFLIES OF HOUSTON AND SOUTHEAST TEXAS that the wings can easily be damaged during the expansion and hardening process.  I carefully placed her atop a post of the nearby trellis and she remained there for over an hour, hardening her wings so they could support her in flight.




When it was time for her first flight,  I was privileged to see her make it.  She dipped and soared through the garden, accompanied by my cheers - loud ones this time.  It was a joyful moment and I am still thankful beyond words that I was able to participate in it.

Comments

Gail said…
They are magical; so glad you were there to see the process. gail
Alison said…
Great pictures, I'm so pleased you had your camera with you to document your encounter. She's so beautiful!
Lucy Abbott said…
I just LOVE, LOVE, LOVE the photos of the Monarch Butterfly. You inspired me to write my own Three for Thursday. http://www.lucysinthegarden.com/2011/11/three-for-thursday-for-birds.html
Rock rose said…
How lucky you were to see the birth. Does she now have to fly to Mexico for the winter? It just goes to show that we should all take the time to sit and enjoy our gardens once in a while. We may get the lovely surprise you witnessed.They hide the chrysalis so well. Only ever found one.
mimi said…
Cindy that was just wonderful! I'd been missing your blogs. Don't stop writing. What is the three though?
Fairegarden said…
Pure D magic, Cindy. How lucky you were to play a part in this miracle of nature. I cheer with you!

Frances
How very lucky that timing was Cindy! Great photos!
Carol Michel said…
And that is why we must sit in our gardens and just see what and who is there with us. Wonderful.
David said…
You have a good eye and a beautiful butterfly. I am forever NOT finding where they hide. I've had the same experience only once and I'm still amazed at the beautiful form that emerges. I love monarchs.
David/ :-)
Cindy, MCOK said…
Thanks, y'all! It made my day. By the way, the pictures were taken with my iPhone (and a 3G, at that). I think the close-up shots are better than what I get w/my Canon G11.
Wally said…
Oh, how absolutely wonderful!
StoBlogger said…
She's a beauty. What a memorable experience you were given the opportunity to share.
LindaCTG said…
What a precious wonderful moment! I am also highly impressed that you could take steady pictures with one hand to capture this magic day. This butterfly will always remember you in her heart, as I do!
Cindy, MCOK said…
Mac, Sto & Linda, I wish for all of us more such experiences!
Commonweeder said…
What a moment. No butterflies in Heath these days, but we are celebrating - a 4th blogoversary with a Giveaway. Debra Lee Baldwin's Succulent Container Gardens would be a great gift - to yourself.