Taken at the Fletcher Wildlife Garden in 2007. Reports about the future of the monarch butterfly are very discouraging and depressing. In 2013, we saw few up this way, compared to 2012 when they were more abundant. They've had a very hard time and this winter are occupying a fraction of their Mexican wintering grounds than they have done in the past. From over four acres to just over half an acre! This iconic butterfly and its long migration may soon be a thing of the past, say some scientists. I hope that is not true.

This photo is to remind us of how fragile life is and how easily a species can be lost!