A monarch butterfly in motion, captured in Boulder by award-winning photographer Lenny Lensworth Frieling—a moment of beauty and transformation.

Boulder’s Outdoor Picture of the Day: Monarch Majesty by Lenny Lensworth Frieling

A monarch butterfly in full flight, wings aglow with orange and black brilliance, dances across Boulder’s wild summer sky. Captured through the lens of award-winning photographer Lenny Lensworth Frieling, today’s Outdoor Picture of the Day is a moment of magic and motion—delicate, fleeting, and unforgettable.

Frieling, named Photographer of the Year by AboutBoulder, is no stranger to capturing Colorado’s soul. His ability to frame natural wonders with precise clarity and emotional depth elevates his work to more than photography—it becomes storytelling through light.

The Majesty of Monarchs

The monarch butterfly (Danaus plexippus) is more than a beautiful pollinator. It’s a symbol of transformation, resilience, and migration. Each year, monarchs embark on a journey of up to 3,000 miles from Canada and the northern United States to central Mexico—one of the longest insect migrations on Earth.

Sadly, monarch populations have plummeted due to habitat loss, climate change, and a decline in milkweed—the only plant their larvae can eat. They’re now classified as endangered by the IUCN. That makes every sighting in Boulder a rare and treasured event.

You can support monarch conservation by planting milkweed, avoiding pesticides, and learning more through organizations like Monarch Watch and the Xerces Society, both of which are leading efforts to protect and restore monarch habitats.

Where to Spot Monarchs in Boulder

Boulder is a sanctuary for these winged wonders thanks to its pollinator-friendly landscapes and preservation of native plants. Here are some of the best places to catch a glimpse:

• Chautauqua Park – Meadows of wildflowers and open spaces make it ideal for spotting monarchs during migration.

• Boulder Creek Path – Lined with goldenrod and blooming milkweed in late summer.

• Sawhill Ponds Wildlife Preserve – A peaceful refuge filled with native vegetation and butterflies.

• CU Natural History Museum Butterfly Garden – Educational and designed specifically to support monarch life cycles.

• Boulder Public Library Pollinator Garden – A vibrant little oasis right downtown.

Through the Lens of Lenny Lensworth Frieling

What makes Frieling’s photograph so striking isn’t just the subject—it’s the timing, the composition, and the reverence behind the frame. As a former judge, Frieling brings an analytical precision to his photography, yet every image is deeply human. His work often encourages viewers to slow down and appreciate the natural miracles around them—just as this butterfly does.

This image reminds us how lucky we are to call Boulder home. It’s a place where the extraordinary hides in the ordinary, where even a moment with a butterfly becomes a timeless gift.

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