Monarch Butterfly, laying eggs in my backyard garden
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This magnificent monarch drifted into our backyard, a splash of sunshine on a warm summer day. #RoyalVisitor
![](https://i1.wp.com/melodyeshore.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/P131023220190729.jpg?fit=640%2C640&ssl=1)
She fluttered among the milkweed plants for several minutes, making touch-and-go-landings and then drifting upward.
![](https://i1.wp.com/melodyeshore.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/P131022020190729.jpg?fit=640%2C640&ssl=1)
With the assistance of my zoom lens, I soon realized she was curling her abdomen around their long, oval-shaped leaves. She pausing for a quick moment on each, and then wafted over to the next plant.
![](https://i1.wp.com/melodyeshore.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/P131021420190729.jpg?fit=640%2C640&ssl=1)
Can you guess what she was doing?
![](https://i0.wp.com/melodyeshore.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/P131022920190729.jpg?fit=640%2C640&ssl=1)
She was laying eggs on the undersides of the milkweed leaves, where her caterpillars will eventually feed and grow!
![](https://i0.wp.com/melodyeshore.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/P111008020180627-3.jpg?fit=640%2C640&ssl=1)
How lovely, to witness firsthand this first stage of the metamorphosis cycle. Not to mention, a refreshing break from the 24/7 news cycle.