Mary D. Barber
Winter Butterflies in Bolinas
"Winter Butterflies in Bolinas" by Mary D. Barber is a nature-focused book published in the early 20th century. It provides a detailed account of the migration and winter habits of the Monarch butterfly at Bolinas, a scenic coastal town in California. The narrative beautifully intertwines poetic descriptions of the locale with informative insights about the life cycle and behaviors of these butterflies. The book chronicles the Monarch butterflies' remarkable migratory journey from the Sierra Nevada and Rocky Mountains to their winter home in Bolinas. It vividly describes their physical characteristics, migration patterns, and the peculiar instinct that leads them to the same tree every winter. Through engaging observations and lyrical prose, Barber captures the butterflies’ interactions with the environment, such as their feeding on winter flowers and their resilience in the face of storms. The narrative also touches on the relationship between the butterflies and their surroundings, presenting a poignant reflection on life, survival, and nature's cycles.