That is my finger with the new Monarch butterfly getting it's bearings, and getting ready to take flight.

Taken when I was invited to witness the release of two Monarchs that were ready to fly. Brenda looks for the eggs on the bottom of the milkweed leaves, and breaks off the leaves, and takes them home and puts the leaf on a wet paper towel, that she places in a shallow aluminum pan. I even saw some of the caterpillars that were on the leafs in her kitchen, their not going anywhere, as all they want is the milkweed. When their ready for the next stage, she places them in the screened in butterfly house that sits out on the porch. It is amazing, and she is dedicated in helping them make it to adulthood, as they have many predators when their in their transformation stages.

Sometimes they take flight right away, and sometimes they take their time. I was lucky as this small one went from my friend Brenda's hand to mine, and it was a thrill.

I also learned that the milk that leaks on the leaf, can cause blindness if you have it on your hand and then get it in your eyes if not careful about touching your face, you would need to wash right away, and get further help, as soon as possible.

She used her Nikon with the proper settings to get this one.

I hope to get another chance to witness this again, and maybe getting a second chance for a photo opt, using my 40D.

Tomorrow I will be busy, so thought I would post this a bit early.

I appreciate your comments, thank you, and I have Brenda's permission to use this as I wish.

tigs=^..^=