WESTERN MONARCH DAY

February 5th marks Western Monarch Day, a delightful occasion that transports us to a more enchanting realm through the vibrant flutter of brightly colored wings. This special day commemorates the Monarch butterfly's remarkable almost-3000-mile-long journey back to California from various locations across the western U.S., a key segment of their seasonal migration.

This event not only captivates locals but also serves as a major tourist attraction. During butterfly migration season, numerous visitors flock to parks and areas where these winged marvels gather, creating a spectacle of natural beauty.

While the Monarch butterfly is not confined to a single location, Western Monarch Day specifically emphasizes their return to the California coast. The significance of this return is heightened by the alarming decline in the monarch butterfly population. It underscores the importance of preserving and protecting these majestic creatures for future generations to witness and appreciate.

The Western Monarch Butterfly, with its vibrant blend of red, orange, yellow, and gold hues, graces the skies, fulfilling its essential role in pollination across diverse landscapes. Originating in the American Tropics, the species expanded alongside its primary food source, the milkweed. Over time, the intricate migration patterns evolved, culminating in the sophisticated journey witnessed today.

These magnificent butterflies annually migrate from various regions in Northern America,

displaying an innate sense of timing for their movements. As winter approaches, monarchs from the western parts of the U.S. and Canada embark on a journey southward to California, a strategic move for their survival. The cycle continues as the next generation of monarchs repeats the pilgrimage in the following year.

Scientific comprehension of this migration pattern came relatively late, despite studying monarchs since the 1850s. In 1930, Canadian zoologist Frederick Urquhart orchestrated a monumental effort involving over 3000 butterfly enthusiasts to tag monarchs across the continent. Analyzing the amassed data, Urquhart discerned a gradual southward movement, uncovering the wintering mystery in 1973, thanks to businessman Kenneth Brugger's account of monarchs in a hailstorm in Mexico City. Brugger's subsequent expedition unveiled the butterflies' wintering site on the Trans-Mexican Volcanic Belt.

This revelation opened the door for more people to marvel at the beauty of these creatures in their natural habitat. Recognizing the appeal of the monarch butterfly migration, the state of California declared February 5 as California Western Monarch Day in 2004, aiming to boost tourism and raise awareness about these butterflies.

Regrettably, the Western monarch butterfly now faces a perilous decline, teetering on the brink of extinction. Deforestation, land degradation, pesticide use, climate change, and other factors disrupting migratory patterns contribute to this alarming trend. The monarch population has plummeted by a staggering 90%, prompting numerous conservation groups to intensify efforts to safeguard these creatures from extinction.

Understanding the implications of such a decline is crucial, considering the Western monarch butterfly's pivotal role in pollination and the challenges posed by migration. Ongoing research and conservation initiatives are underway to protect and preserve these iconic butterflies for future generations.

And how does that inspire Amaretto?  Well, the artists took the beauty of this butterfly and made a very special charmer horse.  The Flutter Love Shetland Monarch.  How can you get one?  Well, unfortunately it is out to pasture but, you may find one though a fellow breeder.