Monarch Hatch

Being a naturalist means there is always something interesting to see in the world. Yesterday I got to watch baby Eastern Phoebe's fledge from their nest. Today...Monarchs.


My co-host on the podcast Paul collected a Monarch butterfly caterpillar from his back yard. He and his daughter placed it into a special pop-up monarch habitat and watched as it hung from the ceiling and formed a chrysalis.


He uses the Port a Bug which works great and is affordable. It collapses into a carrying case when not in use and you can see through the sides.

Paul wasn't going to be home the day the butterfly was expected to emerge from the chrysalis so he left it in his cubicle. As expected, when I came in this morning there was a brand new Monarch butterfly hanging from the bottom of the empty chrysalis. I took it outside and the circle of life continues on.


Raising butterflies is a great educational opportunities for families. Just be sure to do it responsibly and take good care of them until they can be released.

~Kirk