Monarch butterfly (Danaus plexippus)

In our garden we have a Buddleja (also Buddleia), often know as a Butterfly bush. The bush is about seven feet tall and attracts all sorts of butterflies, bees, and even hummingbirds. I took this photo of a Monarch butterfly out of our kitchen window.

Monarchs are known for their long annual migration and their ability to find the same overwinter location each fall. From August through October they travel southward – Monarchs east of the Rockies migrate all the way to Michoacán, Mexico. The trip takes several generations - Monarchs born as the migration begins only live about seven weeks but the annual migration takes longer.