Tiny Miracles

Since last week, milkweed has been popping up everywhere.  And with the presence of milkweed, the monarchs have been busy laying eggs on any plants they find - even ones that are no taller than 5".

Two monarch eggs on a newly emerged milkweed plant

Even in my backyard, I've seen monarch eggs - over 10 on 4 different plants. This is the earliest I've ever noticed eggs  - and the abundance of eggs!

There is much concern about the future of monarchs given the extent of habitat loss both in monarchs' summer range and winter roosting sites. Seeing this many eggs so soon and in such numbers makes me hopeful that the species will survive. For being such a tiny insect, they are certainly tenacious!