The wonders of the Central Coast - chapter 1

Did you know monarch butterflies are capable of crossing the ocean? More often, though, they migrate up and down the coast here in the Americas.

Clusters of monarchs make a small eucalyptus grove at Pismo Beach their winter home. One by one they fly south from as far as Canada to seek shelter from the elements and land in the tall trees, forming shingles for further protection from rain and cold. Some of them don't make it, and we found quite a few of them "left behind" farther North.

Those that make it to the grove will remain there until spring, venturing out on warmer days to feed. In March, they will take off and fly North, though it will take a few generations to get there.

Read more about these amazing creatures here.

These photos are taken with an approximately 450mm-equivalent lens, some with a tripod, some without. And, it was windy. You may click on them to enlarge.