[lbrindze]

One of the most interesting things I ever saw sailing was a singular monarch butterfly in the middle of the gulf-stream about halfway back from bermuda. This was over 300 miles away from any land (including bermuda).

It stopped for a very brief rest (a second or two at most) and then continued flying in the opposite direction. Very unexpected and surreal but this really speaks to the sort of distances they can travel without stopping.

Does anyone know how common these kind of sightings are? Very sad to find out that these butterflies are now considered endangered.

[micromacrofoot]

in the Atlantic? likely it was blown off course, they're obviously very light and winds play a large factor in their migration

it's not unusual to spot a monarch somewhere in the Gulf of Mexico, like an oil rig, but it's not entirely clear how many try to take that 900 mile flight... it's more likely they're blown off course and won't make it to shore unless wind conditions are just right enough to carry them

[lbrindze]

Yes this was in the Atlantic. I saw quite a few in Bermuda. I’m not sure if they migrate or just live there full time. Either way it was strange and I often wonder how it got there.

[melling]

Here are some older HN discussions on the declining butterfly population.

I only selected those that are at least 5 years old.

https://hn.algolia.com/?dateEnd=1500508800&dateRange=custom&...