Visiting to take flowers for my father, I was amazed to see a monarch flying and often settling on the bedding plants, cut flowers and even the lawn clovers. I didn't have my binoculars with me - but didn't need them! It was very easy to see and identify, and could be approached to within 12-18 inches at times. I could take photos with my phone.
A few minutes after the initial excitement, I wondered about the provenance of this species here. About half an hour after it was first seen I saw another , and sometimes they were both together. My first thought was that they have been released by someone in memoriam to a loved one (?).
I've read that there is a population in Spain and Portugal, and that this is, probably, the most common source of migrants to the UK, rather than trans-Atlantic migrants. But two together? Maybe there have been other recent records nationally?
I've seen the species before in a few countries including the El Rosario Biosphere Reserve, Mexico where there were millions!
Please Note
If you go to view or take photos, please be respectful of the location and take care where you walk. The monarchs were very easy to see, often coming close to the paths and settling on flowers. Many people, myself included, have brought flowers and cards for their fathers and other relatives (Father's Day is tomorrow). Some have laid sprays/sprigs of flowers upon the lawn where ashes are buried.
Finally have found St Georges Mushrooms here today, only taken 9 years! No morels which is what i was hoping for but did see False Morel just out of county today.
