bluezzzzz Loc: Stamping Ground, KY

Each year the Shaker Village at Pleasant Hill, near Harrodsburg, KY, has an outing to catch, tag, and release Monarch Butterflies from the surrounding fields.

The setup was a bit different this year, during the virus pandemic:


MonarchTaggingForFlickr_011 by Marshall Smith, on Flickr


The action was fast and furious at times; somebody would spot one, and people would head for them with nets at the ready.


MonarchTaggingForFlickr_001 by Marshall Smith, on Flickr


Sometimes a catch wasn't a Monarch, and when identified was released on the spot.


MonarchTaggingForFlickr_002 by Marshall Smith, on Flickr


Confirmed catches were presented back at the tagging tent to be tagged, and the data and tag number were logged into a nationwide data base.

One year a butterfly tagged in Shakertown was recaught months later down in Louisiana.


MonarchTaggingForFlickr_014 by Marshall Smith, on Flickr

MonarchTaggingForFlickr_013 by Marshall Smith, on Flickr


Tagged on the wing, and released back into the field.


MonarchTaggingForFlickr_016 by Marshall Smith, on Flickr


The full photo essay can be seen at:


https://www.flickr.com/photos/78687170@N00/albums/72157716081393418


Shakertown is a wonderful experience for both history buffs and photo enthusiasts. In addition to more than 1000 acres of nature to wander around in, the restored buildings themselves are fascinating products of a bygone credo of excellent craftsmanship.

An interesting religion, but that no sex decree would have been tough! lol

Marshall

Linda From Maine Loc: Yakima, Washington

Fabulous storytelling series. #2 could stand on its own as imaginative pov and memorable moment in that child's life.

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

I like that T-shirt.

That's got to be hard tagging someone so small. What's next? Ants?

Irvingite Charles Loc: Irving, Tx

CHG_CANON Loc: the Windy City

Wonderful story telling! Hope too those tags are reported arriving down south here soon.

smilenangler Loc: The Flood City, Pa.

Nice, i don't know where all of mine are this year,...

MadMikeOne Loc: So. NJ Shore - a bit west of Atlantic City

Great story and info. Your images tell the story very nicely. Last fall, I was out shooting Monarchs near where I live. Got home, put the shots up on the computer and spotted a tag on the wing of one of the Monarchs. I was stunned because up until then I had NO idea that Monarchs were tagged. Did get a quick education from the people in the office at Cape May Point State Park.
Thanks for posting this.

UTMike Loc: South Jordan, UT

What an interesting post!

kvanhook Loc: Oriental, NC

Thanks for posting. That's such a great place to visit. My uncle lived only a mile down the road toward Danville and I remember when Shakertown was so run down and neglected. Today it is a wonderful example of restoration.

bluezzzzz Loc: Stamping Ground, KY

kvanhook, you are so right!

I remember visiting in the early 70's, and it was a mess.

Those twin spiral stairs in the Meeting House are a marvel of design, carpentry, and craftsmanship, and alone are worth a visit.

Have you been back recently?

Marshall

kvanhook Loc: Oriental, NC

Was there in Oct. 2019. We enjoyed another great meal. I agree about the staircase design. It is amazing. I was born in Danville and go back to visit my long dead relatives in the graveyards. This year we have not been able to go anywhere without needing a hazmat suit, so my relatives will just have to do without me for a while.

JRiepe Loc: Southern Illinois

Interesting. Monarchs I've seen this year but very few yellow swallowtails.

Earnest Botello Loc: Hockley, Texas

Very good series, Marshall.

rcarol

Here is a photo that I took in Canada of a tagged Monarch. What are the chances, eh?

(Download)

bluezzzzz Loc: Stamping Ground, KY

Now THAT is so cool!

I'm convinced that, with a bit of work and luck, you could contact a tagger, show them that photo, and they could give you all the data they have on that particular butterfly.

Marshall