Last summer, I was thrilled when monarch butterflies flittered and floated into our backyard, covering entire branches and filling the sky with dusty wings.  And this summer, six days later than last year, the butterflies returned.  To the exact same branches in our yard.  There were so many, and there was no way to count.


We must be on the monarch map, our branches the Labor Day weekend hotspot. 

I stood outside under the branches with camera in hand and arms outstretched, trying to capture the beauty above.


This is the third time in my life I've had this same scene in my backyard.  Once as a girl in Cold Spring, and now twice in this same yard.  Somehow they must know how to locate those who find their appearance breathtaking.