Published: 12/13/2022

Dear Friends,

Just as expected, mid December marks the first great concentration of monarchs at their overwintering spots.

Temperatures vacillated from hot to mild. Regardless, monarchs keep streaming down the mountains in different directions towards the town’s valley in numbers that cause, at times, some concern. The monarchs often behave as if spring is here rather than winter. But, every day, we can breath a sigh of relief. Most monarchs return to their overwintering sites in the mountains at the end of the day.

Sierra Chincua Sanctuary

Moving now a few hundred meters west from El Zacatonal location to Sierra Chincua. The colony in Sierra Chincua has diminished to half its original size but remains very dense. It is gorgeous to observe this colony despite the climb on a rather rough and steep pathway.

El Rosario Sanctuary

El Rosario colony has now concentrated at the Las Palmas location and actually seems to have tripled in size. Medium to a few large clusters begin to look great as the sunlight offers a beautiful backlight to the colony just when visitors arrive. All are amazed.  

Monarchs and Art

Monarchs inspire a sense of awe and motivate us all to protect these amazing creatures. For many in our community, we are moved to undertake conservation. Through art, people express their pride and identity that is rooted in our unique place in the world. We have been born here and will each depart to later return as a monarch. Our souls will join with other monarchs during the majestic fall arrival to overwintering locations here in central Mexico.  

Estela Romero

Angangueo, Michoacán, México

Note to our readers: This article has been edited from the original English version. 

Read the Spanish version of Estela Romero’s letter»