Normally, Monarch Butterflies arrive here in the Southern Appalachians from Mexico in early May. However, despite near freezing temperatures every morning here, they are at this moment feasting on the pollen in my blueberry orchard!
by Richard L. Thornton, Architect & City Planner
This morning, when I stepped out onto the front porch, I noticed that the dogwoods, native pink azaleas and one native rhododendron had bloomed over night. While taking the above photo, I swore that I saw a Monarch butterfly flutter by. That was impossible. It was 41° F. ( 5° C.).
At noon, the dogs and I went out to mail box. I was stunned to see two Monarch butterflies dining on Dogwood pollen near the front door.
Dogwood flowers – The monarch butterfly is in the center of the photo
Here is a close up view of the butterfly in the dogwood tree.
We continued our journey to the mailbox to see an entire flock of Monarch butterflies, fluttering back and forth between my blueberry bushes. They were mingling with bumble bees, honey bees and native stingless bees at the Blueberry Orchard Restaurant. Normally, the blueberries are near maturity before the Monarchs arrive.
The butterflies and bees are hard to see at this distance, so we will get closer.
Can you see the bumblebee here?
This butterfly’s wings are folded as it dines on nectar in the photo’s center.
I finally persuaded the butterfly to stop fluttering!
The Americas Revealed 
Monarch butterflies are sooo beautiful. I see it, and the bee!! Great photos!
LikeLike
Richard,
<
div>Gre
LikeLike
Hi Richard, I love butterflies. Nice photo’s here . Thanks for sharing.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I confess Rita! I love nature and growing plants!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Me too because it’s good therapy. Have a good weekend.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Richard, I’m maybe 200 miles north of you across the Smokies. Our Redbuds are in full display mode right now, but dogwoods and our blueberry orchard still have a way to go. You are so lucky to have the monarchs pay you a visit. Send ’em up our way if you run out of treats for them.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Actually, the auto journey between here and Oak Ridge is only 150 miles . . . less in a straight line, but the Smokie and Nantahala Mountains do alter the weather conditions. We get 20 inches more rainfall a year than Asheville, NC.
LikeLike
Last year I never saw a butterfly until August, but I’ve already seen several this year. No monarchs, though.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I still have a swarm of Monarchs around my house. I do have a lot of plants in full bloom now – including blueberries, azaleas, dogwoods and some rhododendron varieties.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Enjoy them! I would love to have a swarm of Monarchs here.
LikeLiked by 1 person