BELMONT, N.Y. — The last week in October, I saw a lone monarch butterfly fluttering in the wind amongst the lavender and autumn crocus seeking sustenance. It was the last sunny, warm day of an extended season. But I knew the rain and chill of November would be upon us that afternoon. That monarch would never make it to Mexico for the winter.

Monarchs act on instinct – a built in intelligence fine-tuned by Mother Nature over the eons. In most cases, it works well for the species – not so well for the individual. We humans also function in part by instinct, but mostly by our intelligence and ability to learn from our experiences. Does this make us wiser or happier? Is not the butterfly “happy” not knowing the weather forecast? They live in the moment – a Zen sort of thing.

Watching the monarch made me sad – knowing what was to come, but I doubt the monarch was sad. It had found a late source of nectar in those blooms. He was tanking up for the coming trip. But in overstaying his Northern Sojourn, he had left it too late. Mother Nature thinks in the term of the big picture (species) while we humans think in terms of the individual.

Years ago, I made the Children’s Butterfly Garden at the Box of Books Library in Alfred, NY. Cynthis Culley, the year before she died, bought 6 monarch chrysalises which developed in the library and were released when they emerged. Not being aware of our intentions, they all flew away!

Learn more about monarchs and their fantastic flight and numerous generations by reading Wings in the Meadow, by Jo Brewer. It’s a great read. The Rushford Library has a copy! Happy reading.

—By M.L. Wells, Master Gardener Volunteer
Cornell Cooperative Extension of Allegany County

For more articles out of New York, click here.