Each autumn along the Pacific Coast, thousands of Monarch butterflies journey over 2,000 miles. They fly as high as 10,000 feet for 100 miles a day to find safe winter homes that are neither too cold to cause death nor too warm to waste precious flying energy.

After reaching their destination, the monarchs cluster in large groups to stay warm. They can be seen resting in trees, often looking like dead leaves. When sunlight warms them enough to fly, they leave the trees to find the nectar that keeps them alive. They return to the trees before it gets cold at night.

In California these butterflies are seen in the Monterey Pine and Eucalyptus trees. The Eucalyptus provide not only shelter but also nectar for food, since they bloom in winter. This nectar, which the butterflies love makes them a poisonous snack to predators.

Video: Monarchs in the Pine Trees - 03:02 minutes

Video: Monarchs in the Eucalyptus - 01:47 minutes

In February when the temperatures and daylight hours increase, right around Valentine’s Day, the Monarch butterflies can be seen performing spiral mating flights! Afterwards they form couples, rest and remain together for the night.

By the time March rolls around, most of the butterflies have departed on their spring migration.

It's a treat for people in California to share hiking and horse riding paths with migrating Monarchs. Watch the video and see why.

Video: Monarch Butterfly Migration - 02:36 minutes

Did you know? Butterfly Town USA is in California!

In the mountains of Central Mexico the butterflies that cluster in the Oyamel Fir trees are having a hard time. In February 2002 a severe winter storm killed over 200 million Monarchs! In addition the poor farmers who live here need the forest wood to survive and they are cutting down the butterfly trees. The good news is people are working together to reforest this area.

Click the Oyamel Fir Tree to learn more.