Monarchs coming through

There was a group of Monarch butterflies visiting our large butterfly bush today at lunchtime. I saw at least five, along with a couple of Variegated Fritillaries.

They probably came in with the cool front that pushed out the rain over the weekend. They're heading south to their wintering grounds in Michoacan.

In the late afternoon, I saw one nectaring on one of the large New England Asters that I have in containers.

I haven't yet seen any on the massed Buddleias and Lantanas adjacent to my work parking area, though.