Monarchs

It was reported in the local press that this monarch butterfly, complete with tag, was found locally and quite some distance from his/her first capture (I don't know male from female nor am I going to look it up....I'll just leave it to be one of life's mysteries to me). (alas, I had to look it up...males have two black spots on their hind wings...it is horrible not knowing something you can know).

It is pretty traumatic to be caught once in your life but twice would probably test the resolve of most butterflies.  And to be tagged...well!

In 1973 there was a film named Papillon with Steve McQueen and Dustin Hoffman. McQueen's
nickname was papillon and in it he was caught any number of times..finally figuring a way off Devil's Island to freedom. It is a wonderful film.

"From a high cliff, Papillon observes that every seventh wave that comes into a small harbor rebounds from the rocks and is powerful enough to carry him out to sea. Manufacturing two floats, he tries, unsuccessfully, to persuade Dega to come with him. After embracing Dega, Papillon leaps from the cliff and, grasping his float, is carried into the sea."

Here is hoping our little monarch friend gets another chance and seizes it.