Preview of a thrilling event

photo by Lloyd Spitalnik
Monday, September 19, 2005 -- 9:15 a.m.

Last night the Monarch chrysalid looked...well, different. It was the same jewel-like green color, but the surface seemed a little more bulgy, and a little more transparent.

I decided I'd better look in on it this morning. I arrived at the Model-boat pond a little after 8. I was astonished to see what had happened overnight. The little green jewel hanging from the yellow flower [Rudbeckia family] had turned completely black.

Lloyd Spitalnik was heading for a warbler-photographing session, but stopped to take the dramatic shot above.

I'll post what happened next early tomorrow. I can only promise you it was unbelievably exciting .