Monarch butterfly, Bowstring Wildlife Area, Eastern Iowa
In July the monarch butterfly was officially designated as endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature. Scientists estimate that the species' population has dropped between 20% and 90% over the last several decades. This migratory butterfly is known for its spectacular annual journey of up to 4,000 kilometers across the Americas. We still see them at flower meadows, in patches of re-planted prairie, or along the edges of rivers and lakes, although this year I have not watched them in large numbers. Any time I see one I try to make a photo. I only had the 150-600 mm lens with me during a hike in the Bowstring Wildlife Area, located along Lytle Creek between Zwingle and Bernard, Iowa. Zoomed all the way in to 600 mm I like how the insect got backlit, pronouncing its colors nicely. This wooded area has several patches of restored prairies and would be a prime habitat for many butterflies. Unfortunately only two Monarchs crossed my way today. I have a hard time to imagine that this beautiful insect may disappear…