MONARCH ODYSSEY

Monarch Butterflies head south from the far western states and Canada for a winter vacation along the California Coast south of San Francisco. There they gather tightly together on a few trees for warmth, and they spend the winter in the gentle breezes coming off the Pacific Ocean. During our visit to Pismo Beach, there were about 2,000 Monarchs present, which is far below the historic numbers, but still a thrill to see. In this photograph they are gathered on a Blue Gum Eucalyptus.

Location: Pismo Beach, California, USA