Monarch Butterfly Field Trip
December 7 @ 10:00 - 13:00 PST
GOLETA MONARCH BUTTERFLY GROVE, Saturday December 7 2024
Description: Last year was a good year to view the butterflies, and hopefully the this one will be too.
Monarch butterflies spend the winter here in the Butterfly Grove located in the Ellwood Mesa Preserve. The peak time is usually in early December. However, the number varies greatly from year to year. In the morning, most of the monarch are sleeping, but as the air warms some will take to flight. Occasionally a large number will burst into flight.
A medium telephoto lens is best for capturing the details, since the viewing area is restricted and visitors are not permitted to approach the butterflies closely. The light filtering through the eucalyptus can be patchy and challenging, so using a low ISO and underexposing may be necessary to manage the high dynamic range. A tripod can be useful when the monarchs are clinging to the eucalyptus branches, but not when they are flying. Docents are often available on weekends during the peak season to answer questions.
Location: Ellwood Mesa Preserve, Goleta; Parking Lot near South end of Coronado Street.
Distance from downtown Santa Barbara: Approximately 10 miles.
Time to Visit: We will meet at 10:00 am at the Grove on Saturday December 7.
Admission: Free.