110121 Goleta, California, Ellwood Monarch Butterfly Main Grove collage by tiga tatton

olympus E-3 E3

The Monarchs seem fairly well condensed into this small area for a very warm January 2011 in the Santa Barbara area. A large number of Monarchs are out flying around the eucalyptus groves and neighborhoods as well. A 360 degree video of the sparkle of the Monarch butterflys shifting position on the trees or flying onto and off the eucalyptus trees would be nice, but the small canyon is roped off to prevent getting into the center of the insect action. A quality zoom lens and better flash (and better photographer) would be handy for getting a better view of the bugs. If it is not obvious, the photos were taken hand held, using a Olympus E-3, 70-300mm lens, iso800, about 1/200sec, f9-f11. The flying pieces of butter do not seem to be bothered much by the humans walking and chatting, but larger vibrations may set them off. Strange survival tactic to gather together in just a few areas in coastal California and Mexico. A good story here about the Santa Cruz area monarchs: www.flickr.com/photos/bswise/4129859265 /
Some decline of their populations due to lack of their sole food source, Milkweed (plant a couple in your yard and see the Monarchs show up), probably due to wiping out weeds with Monsanto's wonderful Roundup; and / or the many insecticides? Another good site for some short informative videos: wn.com/Monarch_Butterfly_Life_Span 
other attempts at the Monarchs:
www.gigapan.org/gigapans/37839/
www.gigapan.org/gigapans/15269/
www.gigapan.org/gigapans/15255/
www.gigapan.org/gigapans/15181/
110121 Ellwood Monarch Butterfly Main Grove collage PScs4 17525w x 25650h