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Article: A rabble of butterflies in Santz Cruz. (Natural Bridges State Beach)
- Article from:
- Sunset
- Article date:
- February 1, 1985
CopyrightCOPYRIGHT 1985 Sunset Publishing Corp. This material is published under license from the publisher through the Gale Group, Farmington Hills, Michigan. All inquiries regarding rights should be directed to the Gale Group. (Hide copyright information)
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They cling to the tips of eucalyptus branches in weighty clusters, the upfolded wings of one insect overlapping the next in delicate shingle formations.
Each year, the monarch butterflies come from as far away as the Canadian Rockies to the California coast, seeking refuge from freezing winter temperatures. You can see one of the largest concentrations (called a rabble) at Natural Bridges State Beach in Santa Cruz.
This year the swarm is larger than ever--up to 150,000 butterflies--thanks in part to two mild, wet years. The monarchs will be staying in this wind-sheltered grove until late February or well into March, depending on the weather.
In ...