This is the first monarch butterfly I've seen this year. Last year, they were abundant, but this year scarce throughout their range. I can recall seeing, late last August, about 30+ nectaring on the big field of buckwheat flowers. It was quite a sight. This year, well, it is a very different story. I was very happy to see this one! Now we need to keep our eyes open for eggs and larvae on milkweed.