17th Annual Smithsonian Magazine Photo Contest Natural World
Monarch Sanctuary

The mighty but tiny monarch migrates long distances to warmer lands. It was great to see some numbers up from previous visits to Santa Cruz, California, especially with the recent fires in California. This cluster gathered to keep each other warm and become more active as temperature rises above 55 degrees. The monarchs gather in clusters on the branches of eucalyptus trees.

Photo Detail
Date Taken: 11.2019
Date Uploaded: 11.2019
Photo Location: Santa Cruz, California, United States of America
Camera: Canon EOS 80D
Copyright: © Erick Castellon