Dear Sir,

It is quite normal, when one has publicly expressed an opinion, to defend that opinion and to feel mildly or greatly irritated when evidence emerges contradicting that opinion. But in this instance, I am relieved, nay, ecstatic, that an opinion of mine — voiced several months ago in this space — has been soundly overturned.

I and many others had thought that our local population of monarch butterflies in Bermuda had been exterminated in last year’s near-incessant rain and high winds.

But a couple of months ago, while out riding my bicycle, I began to see individual monarch butterflies in Somerset and gradually noted them in more eastern locations. And a few days ago, I discovered about a dozen monarch caterpillars munching happily in the sunshine on my milkweed plants. Yesterday (May 5, 2024), I saw a monarch butterfly swing by to feed on the flowers, presumably having just emerged from a nearby chrysalis. Joy of joys!

When so much of our news is troubling or sad, the simple pleasure of seeing a beautiful creature one had thought vanished from our lives is a welcome event. I am grateful for it.

RORY GORMAN

Hamilton Parish