...Thursday
I tried everything within my power to try and get the last Monarch to emerge on my birthday-but he wasn't having any of it...
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...As a firm believer of "things happen for a reason"~ what could have been a dismal ending for this little guy ended up being "go out with a bang" kind of story.
The kind of ending I'd rather witness & be present for than a self proclaimed birthday present and miss it kind of ending.
I got home from work Friday literally just in time to grab my phone & big girl camera after I took the silk plant I attached the chrysalis to out in the sun. ( that story here )
There is a specific way the chrysalis splits for a butterfly to emerge. It started out ok from the photo above. The butterfly pushes that front part out with its legs, grabs hold of something for dear life then the abdomen and wings follow.
There is a specific way the chrysalis splits for a butterfly to emerge. It started out ok from the photo above. The butterfly pushes that front part out with its legs, grabs hold of something for dear life then the abdomen and wings follow.
This all should happen in a blink of an eye.
So, his front part came out and as the back of the chrysalis was splitting, his wings were stuck to the shell & his abdomen wasn't pushing through. It was a frantic moment for him trying to grab a hold of something and me crying out for my husband to grab a pair of tweezers. As I was waiting for those tweezers, I nervously but purposefully gently peeled the shell off his wings with my thumb nails. And just like that, it was over, he was out and I moved him to a sunny spot on a real tree so he could finish filling out.
As the sun set and the warmth of sun fading, I decided to bring him in for the night. I placed him on an orchid and set them both in a quiet part of the house until the sun came out the next afternoon.
We hung out for a long time...
... I had a hard time letting this one go.
He seemed to comfortable and trusting of me handling him.
But the time had come. I placed him on a branch to finish drying out his wings...
...and I simply walked away.
Ok-I peeked through my kitchen window once or twice...ok...3 times. The forth time he wasn't there.
Happy (Monarch) snapping!
xo
Kelly
Sharing with Kim today over at
Beautiful Kelly! Have a beautiful week!
ReplyDeleteThank you Jandi :-)
DeleteI am so fascinated by your stories of the butterflies.So unique and so beautiful Happy that this little fellow made it.
ReplyDeleteIt was a happy ending for sure Karen-
DeleteSuch gorgeous creatures!
ReplyDeleteThank you Tamar
Deletetruly amazing, and perfect pictures!!!
ReplyDeleteHi Carolina
DeleteThank you-so happy you popped in today.
So pretty! I never really thought about their process for emerging out of the chrysalis. They really are little miracles. :)
ReplyDeleteThey really are Michelle. Glad you stopped in today. xo
DeleteOh gosh - I was on edge this whole post. A fabulous experience and I applaud you for being able to let go. Outstanding pictures too.
ReplyDeleteThanks Nicki-I was literally sweating-but left that part out! Xo
DeleteHow lovely! Beautiful photos and story!
ReplyDeleteHi Sharon-thank you very much and I'm glad you stopped by.
DeleteLove your blog. What a beautiful post. The butterfly is spectacular. Love your art.
ReplyDeleteLove your blog. What a beautiful post. The butterfly is spectacular. Love your art.
ReplyDeleteThank you SO much Diana. I'm really happy you stopped in. Xo
DeleteSo beautiful! Love the shot on the jeans and the one in the hand! Butterflies are such inspiring creatures!
ReplyDeleteHi Mitzi-it's been three years of triumphs and failures, hope and beauty. Thank you for stopping by :-)
DeleteLovely ending to the story! I'll never forget that one time I helped a butterfly out, thinking I was doing a favor. I didn't know the process and of, course, I ended up hurting him. So glad there are so many educators helping us now!
ReplyDeleteIt's been an amazing experience and rich beyond words at what I've learned and witnessed these past 4 years. Thanks Kim
DeleteSo sweet. I'm sure he knew. So very happy that he was able to make it on his own.
ReplyDeleteIt's was a beautiful ending to an Amazon adventure. Thanks Daenel
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