Danaus plexippus Monarch butterflies undergo one of the most impressive mass migrations in the insect world. Each fall, these butterflies head south to avoid freezing temperatures and frost that would otherwise kill them. Populations west of the Rockies overwinter on the Central Coast of California and can be seen in huge assemblages at certain areas along the coast. They seem particularly fond of eucalyptus groves. Monarch populations east of the Rockies migrate all the way south to Mexico. This great migration takes longer than the 2 month life expectancy of an adult monarch, so remarkably, a single north/south migration spans multiple generations. Santa Cruz, California
Coleonyx variegatus variegatu These geckos are abundant in arid habitats in California, especially in deserts where they leave the cover or rocks and cracks at night to feast on the many invertebrates that have also been waiting on nightfall to become active. Such lovely colors and patterns on these guys. Mojave Desert, California
Cervus canadensis In a scene that is quintessentially Californian, a bull elk, the victor in a recent clash with another male, strolls along a beach on the Northern California coast. Roosevelt Elk are the largest of all Elk species. Humboldt County, California
