It’s that magical time of year at the Coronado Butterfly Preserve in Goleta, California. It is  just a short drive from Santa Barbara, and is a great day trip.

 

The Monarch butterfly migration has begun, and it is spectacular!  Thousands of butterflies hang in clumps among the leaves of eucalyptus trees.  Others flutter about everywhere.  It’s one of the most amazing things to witness in nature.  There are approximately 30,000  Monarch butterflies gathered in the grove, with more arriving daily.  It seemed like a good reason to go for a hike, and a good excuse to play with my new Lensbaby.