19th Annual Smithsonian Magazine Photo Contest Natural World
A slightly tattered monarch on a butterfly bush

On a mid-August afternoon in Northern Westchester County, New York, I observed a monarch butterfly land on a butterfly bush. Upon closer inspection, it became apparent that it was missing most of one antenna and a corner of one of its wings. Nevertheless, its beauty radiated against the pink flowers in that afternoon sunshine. I was grateful to witness such graceful resilience and the overwhelming beauty of the natural world.

Photo Detail
Date Taken: 08.2021
Date Uploaded: 10.2021
Photo Location: Goldens Bridge, New York, United States of America
Camera: Canon EOS 90D
Copyright: © Lisa Basile Ellwood