You might have noticed the sunset hues of vibrant orange and velvety black gracing the North Texas sky.

The area is not preparing for Halloween decorations but rather referring to the monarch butterfly migration. This happens twice a year, in the spring and in the fall, when butterflies travel from the eastern half of the U.S. to Mexico during the winter months.

"Texas is an important state in monarch migration because it is situated between the principal breeding grounds in the north and the overwintering areas in Mexico," says Texas Parks and Wildlife, "During the fall, monarchs use two principal flyways. One traverses Texas in a 300-mile wide path stretching from Wichita Falls to Eagle Pass."

Keep your eye out for millions of these beauties of nature fluttering around. And don't worry if you miss them this fall. You can see them again on their path back up in spring.

Why do monarch butterflies migrate to Texas?

Monarch butterflies are nicknamed the "Ambassador of the Americas" since they migrate across Mexico, the U.S. and Canada. Some may even travel as far as 3,000 miles, according to the U.S. Forest Service.

In the fall, they start migration as early as late September from the north to Mexico for their "overwintering" process. In Mexico, they cluster together in mountainous oyamel fir forests until March.

When they are ready to return to the northeast, they stop in warmer climates like Texas, where they mate and lay their eggs on milkweeds. After the eggs turn into larvae and then caterpillars, until finally a butterfly (which takes around 30 days), they return to eastern Canada, where they repeat the mating process, according to National Geographic.

Scientists believe that monarchs know where to go based on either the sun's position or they follow the milkweed blooms.

Sadly, monarch butterflies were put on the endangered species list in 2022 because their population had shrunk between 22 and 72 percent within the last decade.

How to attract monarch butterflies

Attracting monarch butterflies can also help prevent their extinction. By planting their favorite plants and cultivating healthy gardening habits, you can help the monarch community thrive.

Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center suggests doing the following,

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Services suggest a few more tips,