We Have Lift Off!

At approximately 11:15 am, CDT, our Monarch lifted off on it's maiden flight, bearing south toward Mexico. It's first leg took it from our fence high into a tree across the road. From there I lost sight of it and wished it a safe journey. Deborah, be on the lookout.

It couldn't have chosen a more auspicious day to emerge and take wing. It's sunny and hot, but with a fall breeze, temp expected to top out at about 90. Same for tomorrow. I noticed last night that the chrysalis no longer looked green, but sort of blue-ish, though the light was bad and I couldn't tell for sure. By the time I checked on it this morning about 9:30, the butterfly was out. (click the photos to make them bigger). I wasn't quick enough to catch the few times it opened it's wings while still on the fence, and while I watched it's maiden flight, it took off too quickly for me to even think of the camera.