Following the monarch butterfly’s migratory journey from my garden to Mexico
The author reflects on their experience following the migratory journey of monarch butterflies from Canada to Mexico. A recent trip revealed the remarkable 5,000-kilometer journey these butterflies undertake to hibernate. The article highlights the changing patterns of migration and the cultural significance of these butterflies in both countries.
- ▪The monarch butterfly migrates 5,000 kilometers to hibernate in Mexico, one of the longest insect migrations in the world.
- ▪Canadian researchers Fred and Norah Urquhart discovered the migration route over 50 years ago, which was featured in National Geographic in 1976.
- ▪The author participated in a birding tour in Mexico City, where they identified 114 bird species and learned about the monarchs' migratory mission.
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Open this photo in gallery:Illustration by Alex SiklosShareSave for laterPlease log in to bookmark this story.Log InCreate Free AccountFirst Person is a daily personal piece submitted by readers. Have a story to tell? See our guidelines at tgam.ca/essayguide.In the heat of the summer, the arrival of even one fiery-orange monarch butterfly in my postage-stamp backyard is always thrilling, and a bit mystifying. Although I had dutifully cultivated milkweed plants as a butterfly magnet for a decade, I really didn’t know much about the monarch’s life cycle or travels. That was, until a recent trip to Mexico opened my eyes to these remarkable butterflies. In February, I found myself in remote mountains 3,000 metres above sea level.
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Excerpt limited to ~120 words for fair-use compliance. The full article is at The Globe and Mail.
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