In the Valley of the Purple Butterflies

Our main goal for the day was to visit the Purple Butterfly Valley where thousands of butterflies migrate to the warmer climate in the south. This valley is one of two places where butterflies migrate--the other being North America's monarch which winters in Mexico and the Painted Lady which migrates between California and Oregon. The first three picture were borrowed from:

http://www.greenpower.org.hk/new/green/e_activities_2006_butterfly_net_2.html

We saw hundreds of butterflies but we not allowed into the research area up the mountain where thousands are found. Only scientists and participating secondary schools helping to monitor the butterfly numbers are allowed access to that area. It must be a wonderful sight. If you'd like to read more about the Taiwanese native butterflies, see:

http://www.traveltaiwan.com/e/ei.htm