The Monarchs begin arriving in Dec from the US. It's the 3rd generation returning from those that have departed.
At 7000 ft we are up in the pines & it's cool. A village is near the reserve.
Deforestation is a threat to the reserve but attempts are being made to replant
The Reserve is working hard to grow trees
Local people from the village are hired to help with reforestation
The hike up to the entrance was all uphill and there were numerous small tiendas.
After 600 steps we came to a meadow full of butterflies
And then we saw tree limbs so heavily loaded with butterflies that they hang straight down
Butterflies drinking from a stream
Monarch estimates range from 200-500 million. The males die after mating.
The forest is thick with the Monarchs
When the sun warms the butterflies they drop off and fly by the thousands looking like orange snow
More Orange Snow
out of focus? no just butterflies
The end
