I photographed this monarch in Camden, ME last summer

In less than 3 weeks, monarch butterflies will start their 2500 mile migration to the warmer climates of  Mexico and parts of Southern California.   The migration is a grueling one and an abundance of these creatures won't survive it.  For the ones that do, depending on where in the country they live, they will hibernate in clusters on either eucalyptus trees or oyamel fir trees.

There are two reasons for this species to migrate.  The first is it can't survive the seasonal freezing temperatures characteristic of the Northern and Central climates of the United States.  The second is the milkweed plant, where they choose to lay their eggs, isn't indigenous to their wintering location. 

After a six month rest, the final generation of monarch comes out of hibernation.  They journey North and East in search of a mate to begin a new life cycle.    The perfect migration conditions can sustain a single monarch butterfly for up to four generations.