A swarm of travelers is riding in on light Santa Ana winds along the North Coast following this winter’s record rainfall. Painted lady butterflies, which have been observed in spots throughout the county over the past few weeks, have arrived in even more numbers in Encinitas and surrounding communities.

Around this time of year – while the temperatures are still warm – The Monarch Program facility is aflutter with activity, from butterflies emerging from chrysalises to curious children visiting on...