Tag: MichaelStephenWills.com

Farewell to the Monarchs for 2023

Monarch from caterpillar to chrysalis to butterfly

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Here are two of the ten monarchs we release this year. In under three minutes this video shows a monarch caterpillar transforming into a chrysalis, emerging two weeks later as a butterfly. Music “Emotional Underscores Vol. 3” by Yuri Sazonoff (SOCAN) “Can You Guess” and “Blessing”

“Migrating monarchs soar at heights of up to 1,200 feet. As sunlight hits those wings, it heats them up, but unevenly. Black areas get hotter, while white areas stay cooler. The scientists believe that when these forces are alternated, as they are with a monarch’s white spots set against black bands on the wings’ edges, it seems to create micro-vortices of air that reduce drag—making flight more efficient.”

“Monarchs begin leaving the northern US and Canada in mid-August. They usually fly for 4-6 hours during the day, coming down from the skies to feed in the afternoon and then find roosting sites for the night.  Monarchs cannot fly unless their flight muscles reach 55ºF. On a sunny day, these muscles in their thorax can warm to above air temperature when they bask (the black scales on their bodies help absorb heat), so they can actually fly if it is 50ºF and sunny. But on a cloudy day, they generally don’t fly if it is below 60ºF.“

“Migrating monarchs use a combination of powered flight and gliding flight, maximizing gliding flight to conserve energy and reduce wear and tear on flight muscles.  Monarchs can glide forward 3-4 feet for every foot they drop in altitude.  If they have favorable tail or quartering winds, monarchs can flap their wings once every 20-30 feet and maintain altitude. Monarchs are so light that they can easily be lifted by the rising air. But they are not weightless. In order to stay in the air, they must move forward while also staying within the thermal. They do this by moving in a circle. The rising air in the thermal carries them upward, and their overall movement ends up being an upward spiral. Monarchs spiral upwards in the thermal until they reach the limit/top of the thermal (where the rising air has cooled to the same temperature as the air around it). At that point, the monarch glides forward in a S/SW direction with the aid of the wind. It glides until it finds another thermal and rides that column of rising air upwards again.”

Reference: text in italics and quotes is from one of two online articles. “The monarch butterfly’s spots may be its superpower” National Geographic, June 2023 and “Fall Migration – How do they do it?” by Candy Sarikonda, September 2014.

Copyright 2023 Michael Stephen Wills All Rights Reserved

First Release of 2023

Advice for releasing your monarch butterfly

MichaelStephenWills2 Comments

We let our first monarch butterfly rest overnight, until noon of the following day.

Pam did better with tracking the monarch’s flight, so I used video. Thanks Pam!

I delay butterfly release when:

  • the forecasted high temp is below 65° F (18° C) or 60° F (16° C) if sunny and calm.  When no other option exists, 50-59° F and sunny is borderline acceptable.
  • the forecast calls for rain.  A light rain is not a problem for butterflies with day-old dry wings, but it’s not a good release option for first-day newborns.
  • the butterfly emerges too late in the day.  I keep it overnight if the butterfly cannot get 3 hours warming of flight muscles in the sun.
  • there are storms in the forecast.  I wait when there are less than four (4) hours of good weather projected.  When extreme weather (like a hurricane) is forecast within twenty four (24) hours, I keep the butterfly safe until the storm passes.  Twenty four (24) or more hours should provide ample time to find shelter from the storm.
  • I am not sure about a release.  Keeping a butterfly overnight is acceptable. In fact, a butterfly’s wings are stronger on day two (2), providing better capability to escape predators.  A butterfly can easily hang from the mesh cage roof overnight. I do not worry about feeding a butterfly unless a second night of shelter is necessary.

As the moment of emergence approaches, the skin of a Monarch chrysalis becomes translucent to reveal the butterfly compressed into that small space.
Copyright 2023 Michael Stephen Wills All Rights Reserved

First Emergence of 2023

Monarch butterfly and chrysalis

MichaelStephenWills3 Comments

Our grandchildren spent the day with us, the last week of their summer before school begins. This July I had improved on my Monarch collection from 2022, when 9 butterflies were released, by two (2) caterpillars for a total of eleven (11) raised over several weeks to the chrysalis stage. When leaving to pick up the children for an outing one chrysalis skin had turned clear, a sign the enclosed butterfly is close to emerging. We returned from an outing for lunch to find this chrysalis unopened, so we checked now and then for progress. Four hours later, just as their Mom arrived for them, the grandchildren and everyone witnessed this event. What luck!!

“Migrating monarchs soar at heights of up to 1,200 feet. As sunlight hits those wings, it heats them up, but unevenly. Black areas get hotter, while white areas stay cooler. The scientists believe that when these forces are alternated, as they are with a monarch’s white spots set against black bands on the wings’ edges, it seems to create micro-vortices of air that reduce drag—making flight more efficient.”

“Monarchs begin leaving the northern US and Canada in mid-August. They usually fly for 4-6 hours during the day, coming down from the skies to feed in the afternoon and then find roosting sites for the night.  Monarchs cannot fly unless their flight muscles reach 55ºF. On a sunny day, these muscles in their thorax can warm to above air temperature when they bask (the black scales on their bodies help absorb heat), so they can actually fly if it is 50ºF and sunny. But on a cloudy day, they generally don’t fly if it is below 60ºF.“

“Migrating monarchs use a combination of powered flight and gliding flight, maximizing gliding flight to conserve energy and reduce wear and tear on flight muscles.  Monarchs can glide forward 3-4 feet for every foot they drop in altitude.  If they have favorable tail or quartering winds, monarchs can flap their wings once every 20-30 feet and maintain altitude. Monarchs are so light that they can easily be lifted by the rising air. But they are not weightless. In order to stay in the air, they must move forward while also staying within the thermal. They do this by moving in a circle. The rising air in the thermal carries them upward, and their overall movement ends up being an upward spiral. Monarchs spiral upwards in the thermal until they reach the limit/top of the thermal (where the rising air has cooled to the same temperature as the air around it). At that point, the monarch glides forward in a S/SW direction with the aid of the wind. It glides until it finds another thermal and rides that column of rising air upwards again.”

This video includes an interview with Michael Wills about raising Monarch butterflies and this stage of the lifecycle. Video by Pam Wills using an IPhone 8

Reference: text in italics and quotes is from one of two online articles. “The monarch butterfly’s spots may be its superpower” National Geographic, June 2023 and “Fall Migration – How do they do it?” by Candy Sarikonda, September 2014.

Copyright 2023 Michael Stephen Wills All Rights Reserved

View from the Quarry

Views while entering Machu Picchu

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I set up a Manfrotto BeFree tripod with the Canon EOS 1DS Mark III mounted with the Canon EF 70-300 f/4-5.6 L IS USM lens to capture our experience while entering Machu Picchu.

The eastern shoulder of Huayna Picchu is left and the Urubamba river curves around it. Leading the eye to the distance is an uninhabited andean valley covered in rain forest.

Copyright 2023 Michael Stephen Wills All Rights Reserved

Quarry on the Machu Picchu Ridge

The site itself may have been intentionally built on fault lines to afford better drainage and a ready supply of fractured stone.

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“The central buildings of the Machu Picchu Sanctuary use the classical Inca architectural style of polished dry-stone walls of regular shape. The Incas were masters of this technique, called ashlar, in which blocks of stone are cut to fit together tightly without mortar.”

The site itself may have been intentionally built on fault lines to afford better drainage and a ready supply of fractured stone. ‘Machu Picchu clearly shows us that the Incan civilization was an empire of fractured rocks’.

Inca quarried the rock for Machu Picchu from the mountain ridge itself.

“The section of the mountain where Machu Picchu was built provided various challenges that the Incas solved with local materials. One issue was the seismic activity due to two fault lines. It made mortar and similar building methods nearly useless. Instead, the Inca mined stones from the quarry at the site, lined them up and shaped them to fit together perfectly, stabilizing the structures. Inca walls have many stabilizing features: doors and windows are trapezoidal, narrowing from bottom to top; corners usually are rounded; inside corners often incline slightly into the rooms, and outside corners were often tied together by “L”-shaped blocks; walls are offset slightly from row to row rather than rising straight from bottom to top.”

Main Temple survived multiple earthquakes

“Heavy rainfall required terraces and stone chips to drain rainwater and prevent mudslides, landslides, erosion, and flooding. Terraces were layered with stone chips, sand, dirt, and topsoil, to absorb water and prevent it from running down the mountain. Similar layering protected the large city center from flooding. Multiple canals and reserves throughout the city provided water that could be supplied to the terraces for irrigation and to prevent erosion and flooding.”

Agricultural Terraces

“The Incas never used wheels in a practical way, although their use in toys shows that they knew the principle. The use of wheels in engineering may have been limited due to the lack of strong draft animals, combined with steep terrain and dense vegetation. The approach to moving and placing the enormous stones remains uncertain, probably involving hundreds of men to push the stones up inclines. A few stones have knobs that could have been used to lever them into position; the knobs were generally sanded away, with a few overlooked.”

Reference: text in italics and quotes is from the Wikipedia “Machu Picchu”, web page.

Copyright 2023 Michael Stephen Wills All Rights Reserved

Central Square redux

All these celebrations ramifications in centers planned for the host to hundreds of citizens who saw the cult of their deities as well made

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“For the Inca civilization, and especially during the time that the city of Machu Picchu was the most important place as Sanctuary of the Inca aristocratic class, the Congregation of its inhabitants in the numerous events, mostly rituals and celebrations worshipping sacred Inca gods, as it had a very important and momentous significance for the Incan society. All these celebrations ramifications in centers planned for the host to hundreds of citizens who saw the cult of their deities as well made. Also, this civilization granted a special attention details, to organization and structure of both class, of the city itself, so that the expert anthropologist community has been able to prove the existence of a straight relationship between the main square and the structuring of the Incan society.“

“Among the several locations which have shaped the division of the Citadel of Machu Picchu in their different urban areas and consequently in their different social classes, the Central Square or Main Plaza of Machu Picchu is the symbol of one of the most important for hosting the more far-reaching sacred celebrations of the Inca religion, due to its vast size are the ideal location to accommodate this type of mass religious and social ceremonies. The Central Square shows how the Incan society followed a strict, but at the same time, well-structured organization of the city in their different social classes; the anthropologist community states that this vast space was created to establish the spaces of the city limited the inhabitants depending on its status quo within Inca society.”

“After several studies by experts of the world community of anthropology, it has come to understand that the Main Plaza has played a very important role in the Inca society and the segregation of its social classes. This explains the reason for the existence of a physical axis to do distinction of several Inca social classes, which were separated one from the other not only different privileges of every social class, but also by the existence of the sub urban areas which host different individuals of the society. The main square makes this Division structural member of the urban section of the city of Machu Picchu differentiating the two sub urban sectors known as Hanan or high sector, which is home to buildings with greater religious significance for the city, and Hurin or low sector.”

“The areas around the Central Plaza of Machu Picchu are surrounded by a rocky structure that accommodates a series of terraces from where you can appreciate a great view of Huayna Picchu. Here is where is located the construction of three covers, which gives way to the Central or main square, complex of buildings typical of the Inca civilization called “kanchas”, which all have a symmetrical distribution in their facades and are in turn communicated with the other, which favored the life of society in the city to offer a space that housed both spaces end residential for labor purposes through different plugs and local. The massive yet refined architecture of Machu Picchu blends exceptionally well with the stunning natural environment, with which it is intricately linked. Numerous subsidiary centers, an extensive road and trail system, irrigation canals and agricultural terraces bear witness to longstanding, often on-going human use.”

“The rugged topography making some areas difficult to access has resulted in a mosaic of used areas and diverse natural habitats. The Eastern slopes of the tropical Andes with its enormous gradient from high altitude “Puna” grasslands and Polylepis thickets to montane cloud forests all the way down towards the tropical lowland forests are known to harbor a rich biodiversity and high endemism of global significance. Despite its small size the property contributes to conserving a very rich habitat and species diversity with remarkable endemic and relict flora and fauna.“

Reference: text in italics and quotes is from the UNESCO World Heritage and Google Earth, Machu Picchu, web pages.

Copyright 2023 Michael Stephen Wills All Rights Reserved

Temple of the Three Windows

The tripartite world of the Incas.

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“The Temple of the 3 Windows is one of the most surprising constructions in Machu Picchu. The carving of its walls is perfect. There are several hypotheses as to why they built three huge windows there with incredible views of the mountain range. It is presumed that the purpose was to worship the Inca gods, especially those who guard the tripartite world of the Incas: the heavenly world (Hanan pacha), the earthly world (Kay pacha) and the underworld (Uku pacha).
The temple is an immense trapezoidal wall, 10 meters long and 4 meters wide, built with huge stones carved and assembled to perfection.”

“All three windows are also trapezoidal. On both sides there are two additional closed windows (like niches) where the Incas left ceremonial objects of gold and silver.”

“The temple served a religious function. The white granite stone with which it was built has a different carving from the rest of the constructions at Machu Picchu. The fineness of its walls indicates that it was one of the most important buildings in the citadel.”

“A few steps from this temple there are other buildings with religious purposes of great importance: the Main Temple, the Temple of the Sun and the Intihuatana.“

“There are many hypotheses about the religious rituals that were performed in the Temple of the 3 Windows. It is believed that the Inca worldview of the world divided into three worlds was worshiped: the heavenly world (Hanan pacha), the earthly world (Kay pacha) and the underworld (Uku pacha).”

“For the Incas, the Hanan pacha was the world of the gods, of the celestial beings (the sun, the moon, the stars). The Kay pacha was the earthly world, of men and animals. Finally, the Uku pacha was the world of the dead, of beings that wait to reincarnate to return to the earthly world.”

“The tripartite world of the Incas was represented by three animals: the condor (kuntur), the puma (puma) and the snake (amaru). The ‘three’ is present in many of the Inca constructions such as the ‘chakana’ (also called the Andean cross) present in the Temple of the Sun in Ollantaytambo.”

Reference: text in italics and quotes paraphrased from the web page “imachupicchu.com.”

Copyright 2023 Michael Stephen Wills All Rights Reserved

Purple-flowered Raspberry

Among our Gorges

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“Rubus odoratus, the purple-flowered raspberry, flowering raspberry, Virginia raspberry, or Thimbleberry is a species of Rubus, native to eastern North America, from Nova Scotia west to Ontario and Wisconsin, and south along the Appalachian Mountains as far as Georgia and Alabama.”

Purple-flowered Raspberry Growing Within Treman Gorge

“Rubus odoratus is a shrub growing to 3 meters (10 feet) tall, with perennial, not biennial, stems (unlike many other species in the genus). Also, unlike most other related species this plant does not have thorns.”

“The leaves are palmately lobed with five (rarely three or seven) lobes, up to 25 cm (10 inches) long and broad, superficially resembling maple leaves. The flowers are 3–5 cm (1.2–2 inches) in diameter, with five magenta or occasionally white petals; they are produced from early spring to early fall. The red edible fruit matures in late summer to early autumn, and resembles a large, flat raspberry with many drupelets, and is rather fuzzy to the touch and tongue.”

We find Purple-flowering Raspberry in the gorges of the Finger Lakes Region of Central New York State where it finds partial shade, rich, slightly acid soil and moderate water. “It is locally naturalized in parts of Washington State and also in Europe, notably southeastern England.”

My photograph captures all flowering forms of this member of the Rose family. This specimen was blooming in August within the shade of Fillmore Glen in the Finger Lakes of New York State.

Reference: text in italics and quotes paraphrased from Wikipedia “Rubus odoratus.”

Copyright 2023 All Rights Reserved Michael Stephen Wills

Main Temple

Earthquakes over the years have undermined the Main Temple structure.

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“The Main, or Principle, Temple situated on the Sacred Plaza of the Urban Sector of Machu Picchi, is an impressive rectangular shaped building consisting of two lateral and one rear wall.  The base of the temple are large lithic stones supporting more regular sized and precisely carved stones.  The temple features seventeen trapezoidal shaped niches most likely used for ceremonial offerings.  Six stone pegs of the rear walls might have been used to hang decorations or aid rituals.“

Main Temple Left Corner

“Tradition states during Inca times the temple was adorned with colorful mantles, emblems and mummies of important Inca leaders and an effigy of P’unchao, a divine sacred symbol made of solid gold representing the Inca god Wiraqocha.  When the Incas abandoned Machu Picchu at the time of the Spanish Conquest, they removed the most important artefacts leaving behind just the stone structure.”

“Earthquakes over the years have undermined the Main Temple structure, notably the rear right hand corner of the building, where the stones have separated and moved downwards.”

Reference: text in italics and quotes paraphrased from the web page “The Only Peru Guide.”

Copyright 2023 Michael Stephen Wills All Rights Reserved

Central Square

All these celebrations ramifications in centers planned for the host to hundreds of citizens who saw the cult of their deities as well made

MichaelStephenWills
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“For the Inca civilization, and especially during the time that the city of Machu Picchu was the most important place as Sanctuary of the Inca aristocratic class, the Congregation of its inhabitants in the numerous events, mostly rituals and celebrations worshipping sacred Inca gods, as it had a very important and momentous significance for the Incan society. All these celebrations ramifications in centers planned for the host to hundreds of citizens who saw the cult of their deities as well made. Also, this civilization granted a special attention details, to organization and structure of both class, of the city itself, so that the expert anthropologist community has been able to prove the existence of a straight relationship between the main square and the structuring of the Incan society.“

“Among the several locations which have shaped the division of the Citadel of Machu Picchu in their different urban areas and consequently in their different social classes, the Central Square or Main Plaza of Machu Picchu is the symbol of one of the most important for hosting the more far-reaching sacred celebrations of the Inca religion, due to its vast size are the ideal location to accommodate this type of mass religious and social ceremonies. The Central Square shows how the Incan society followed a strict, but at the same time, well-structured organization of the city in their different social classes; the anthropologist community states that this vast space was created to establish the spaces of the city limited the inhabitants depending on its status quo within Inca society.”

“After several studies by experts of the world community of anthropology, it has come to understand that the Main Plaza has played a very important role in the Inca society and the segregation of its social classes. This explains the reason for the existence of a physical axis to do distinction of several Inca social classes, which were separated one from the other not only different privileges of every social class, but also by the existence of the sub urban areas which host different individuals of the society. The main square makes this Division structural member of the urban section of the city of Machu Picchu differentiating the two sub urban sectors known as Hanan or high sector, which is home to buildings with greater religious significance for the city, and Hurin or low sector.”

“The areas around the Central Plaza of Machu Picchu are surrounded by a rocky structure that accommodates a series of terraces from where you can appreciate a great view of Huayna Picchu. Here is where is located the construction of three covers, which gives way to the Central or main square, complex of buildings typical of the Inca civilization called “kanchas”, which all have a symmetrical distribution in their facades and are in turn communicated with the other, which favored the life of society in the city to offer a space that housed both spaces end residential for labor purposes through different plugs and local. The massive yet refined architecture of Machu Picchu blends exceptionally well with the stunning natural environment, with which it is intricately linked. Numerous subsidiary centers, an extensive road and trail system, irrigation canals and agricultural terraces bear witness to longstanding, often on-going human use.”

“The rugged topography making some areas difficult to access has resulted in a mosaic of used areas and diverse natural habitats. The Eastern slopes of the tropical Andes with its enormous gradient from high altitude “Puna” grasslands and Polylepis thickets to montane cloud forests all the way down towards the tropical lowland forests are known to harbor a rich biodiversity and high endemism of global significance. Despite its small size the property contributes to conserving a very rich habitat and species diversity with remarkable endemic and relict flora and fauna.“

Reference: text in italics and quotes is from the UNESCO World Heritage and Google Earth, Machu Picchu, web pages.

Copyright 2023 Michael Stephen Wills All Rights Reserved