From today's edition of The World:
It's about 180 miles as the crow flies...the purple crow butterfly, that is. One hundred and eighty miles is the length of the annual migration of purple crow butterflies through Taiwan. The purple crow butterfly has a much shorter trip than its migrating North American relative, the monarch butterfly; still, it's not an easy journey. The purple crow butterflies fly along busy roads where they can get sucked into traffic. So, Taiwanese authorities have taken to closing parts of the highway to give the butterflies a break.
Caroline Gluck reports from National Freeway No. 3, "the front line in the battle to try to protect the butterflies." This is the second year running that the National Freeway authorities have taken measures to try to protect the butterflies from being crushed or killed by traffic as they make their annual migration from southern Taiwan to the north where they go to lay their eggs. The measures are costing around 83,000 U.S. dollars, but the Director General of the Taiwan area National Freeway Bureau says it is money well spent, for this special creature.
When the number of purple crow butterflies reaches more than 500 per minute, authorities will close a section about one mile long along the outer lane of the freeway. They will also set up 13-foot safety nets, fencing in part of the outer lane to encourage the butterflies to fly high above the traffic. And, hundreds of new trees have been planted along the highway to serve as butterfly rest areas.
When Ms. Gluck traveled to a farm about 12 miles from the highway, thousands of the butterflies were taking nectar in the woods, gathering strength before they continue on their long journey. The purple crow butterflies are highly sensitive to cloudy or cool temperatures; they won't move on until the weather conditions are just right.
Someone once told me, through a random thought, que la belleza aparece sin avisar. Thank you Taiwan, for protecting your mari-posas. San Francisco knows this is important too, especially in Yerba Buena Gardens:
If you know me, you'll understand this post. But even if you don't, please remember to protect your personal butterflies~ that person who makes you feel butterflies in your soul ~ whomever and wherever they may be ~
And on that note, I give you these notes ~ an ode to maripositas everywhere ~ the sexy, the scandalous, and the sweet ~
Ë Ë Ë Ë
Kelly ~ Thank you for your kind words. It means a lot when the words I write resonate with others ~ it confirms I'm not entirely out of touch with reality.
Cindylu ~ Wow, *thank you* for the diverse list of songs! I'm going to add them to my playlist!
Posted by: mari | Tuesday, April 15, 2008 at 01:09 PM
I love going to the butterfly preserves at natural history/science museums. Mariposas have been a favorite since they were the theme for my quinceañera. My favorite restaurant is called Mariposa too.
Anyway, I love butterfly songs too. Thanks for adding to my short playlist. I'll try uploading the songs on my list. They include David Garza's "Butterflies," Alicia Keys' "Butterflyz," Floetry's "Butterflies" (a brilliant Michael Jackson cover), Paul Weller's "Amongst Butterflies," and finally the Smashing Pumpkins' "Bullet With Butterfly Wings."
Posted by: cindylu | Saturday, April 12, 2008 at 03:24 PM
"please remember to protect your personal butterflies~ that person who makes you feel butterflies in your soul ~ whomever and wherever they may be ~"
Mari, that is just beautiful. I am going to save that and put it on my wall of favorite quotes. Thank you.
Posted by: Kelly | Friday, April 11, 2008 at 07:45 AM