Where Are All the Monarchs?

Where are all the monarchs? Not in our pollinator garden here in Vacaville.

Milkweed? Check.

Floral resources? Check.

Praying mantids? No. (Haven't seen any, but they're out there!)

Birds? Yes. (Nesting California scrub jays eat their fill of caterpillars, mainly Gulf Fritillary 'cats.)

Shade? Yes. (Crepe myrtles and cherry laurels await.)

Monarchs? No. (Danaus plexippus, where are you?)

On previous Fourths of July, monarchs fluttered, nectared, and eclosed in our pollinator garden.  

Today, July 4, 2023, we celebrate our nation's birthday, and yes, it's "Hurrah for the Red, White and Blue!"

However, we are s-o looking forward to "Hurray for the Black and Orange!"