The Monarch migration is in full swing here in NW Missouri. While out geocaching with my kids this afternoon we found a field of goldenrod that was full of nectaring Monarchs. There were hundreds of them everywhere you looked. It was such an incredible sight. Knowing that these beauties are making such an arduous journey, makes them that much more special.
Many of the plants had 5 or more monarchs together. Walking out among them as the fluttered up in front of me was an incredible experience...to say I was in awe is an understatement.
I've been seeing numerous Monarchs as they head south, crossing roadways and highways...I'm sure many of these meet an untimely death, as they are hit by passing cars. I find myself playing a little game of dodge the monarch. My daughter asked me just today "Mom, did you SERIOUSLY just slow down to avoid that butterfly?" Can't help it, reflex I told her. If I can safely avoid killing them, why not do it?
Went looking for them yesterday, next weekend is the my last day of tagging.Should have had some stickers, it is fun to look for them and see if you see a tagged one.It was too cold and wet yesterday, but I am headed back out today.
ReplyDeleteI've been seeing more monarchs this year than I ever remember seeing before. They are everywhere. Last year I only found a few and tagged 3. I decided not to buy tags this year and voila....they are everywhere....figures!
ReplyDeleteIt breaks my heart a little when they hit the windshield. And the turtles right now, OY!
ReplyDeleteMe too Rural, that's why I try to slow down or avoid them when safely possible. I know it probably seems funny to some to go to great lengths to keep from hitting a bug, but I simply don't see the need to kill them if I can help it.
ReplyDeleteStill waiting on them to show up in numbers here around St. Louis. But your report gives me hope they'll be here soon, and I do have some tags when it happens.
ReplyDeleteThis website maps their progress by tracking reports of roosting sites:
http://www.learner.org/jnorth/maps/monarch_f10_roosts.html
I'll send up a silent prayer that they show up in your neck of the woods soon, and in as high of numbers that I am seeing them here. Last year I saw 5, and two of those were ones I have brought in as caterpillars and watched grow, pupate and later emerge. I am so mad at myself for not getting tags this year. I could have went through a 100 of them by now. Thank you for the link, I think it is fun to track the progress.
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