Ellwood Butterflies

The butterflies are here!!

Every winter monarch butterflies stop through the Ellwood Butterfly Grove on their migration down south to roost in warmer climates. Thousands of them pass through Santa Barbara in January and we always make it a point to visit. The grove is small and the butterflies usually gather together at the very tops of tree branches, but when it's sunny and warm they are active. Fluttering through paths, stopping to sun themselves on the outer trees, and dozens over head, it's such a magical experience to be there among them.


Bunches of butterflies together high up in the trees.


Inside the grove there are places to sit and view, small information signs, and at times there is someone present with extensive butterfly knowledge and butterfly demonstrations.


While sitting in the grove is peaceful, we like to walk among the trees and find butterflies while they sun. Here hubs is trying to get a photo of some butterflies up high.




I heart spotting the orange among the green leaves.


And sometimes butterflies were on the ground and let me take a photo :)


Monarchs are beautiful.