Monarch Migration Update: September
27, 2002
Today's Report Includes:
First Monarchs Sighted in
the Sanctuary Region
This news just in: The very first monarchs--only two--were spotted beneath
the Sierra Chincua Sanctuary on Monday, September 23rd. People in Angangueo
have been watching and waiting. Every day German Medina, who coordinates
the Symbolic Migration in the region, has been visiting sites where monarchs
first cluster. These sites are all on small hills ("cerritos")
outside of, and below, the actual sanctuaries.
"I talked to
some native persons during my trip to these places and they said that
the first butterflies arriving to this region usually appear after September
25. They settle in 'Los Cedros,' followed by some others settling in
'La Canada' and last of all in 'El Cerrito.'"
Are These Early Migrants?
The first waves of monarchs don't typically reach Mexico until mid to late
October. After an early report from the sanctuaries last year, biologist
Bill Calvert summarized his thoughts. One possibility: "They may simply
be a few monarchs that breed locally in the area and have wandered into
the region," he said. "It seems like each year observations generate
more questions. But each time they also clarify our understanding of the
biology of this most interesting insect."
Highlights Along the
Migration Trail
Millions and millions of monarchs are a long way from Mexico! Here this
week's highlights:
09/25/02
Hammond, OK
An overnight roost was discovered by Hammon Elementary's Third Grade
class! They "caught, tagged and released 100 Monarch butterflies
as they were roosting in trees this morning."
09/23/02
Enid, OK
Special thanks to Elbert Wheeler for sending these photos of monarchs
resting in Enid, Oklahoma while on their way to Mexico! Monarchs started
arriving Sunday the 22nd, had increased into the hundreds by Monday
evening, and were still there as of Thursday evening, the 26th.
From San Antonio, Richardson, Carrollton, Midland, and
Tye, Texas came sightings of first monarchs during the past week. Several
noted that the monarchs were reproductive. Only recently have biologist
learned, from observations like these, that monarchs produce a generation
in the late summer/early fall in the south.
"We saw our
first monarch of the season in Richardson. She was a female monarch
laying eggs on milkweed plants in the field that we monitor. We have
been monitoring our field weekly, and were excited to finally find monarchs!"
Monarchs continue to come down from the north, ultimately to
funnel through Texas and beyond:
09/24/02
Mississauga, ON
While kayaking at sunset on Lake Ontario, Rod Murray witnessed a "reverse
migration." He saw the monarchs turn back, and head north, instead
of crossing. "Literally dozens were flying from way out on the
lake to the north shore. This occurred at about 6:00 pm EDT as the sun
was starting to descend," he said.
09/23/02
Vineland, ON
Kim Barrett saw a huge concentration of monarchs near the south shore
of Lake Ontario on Monday. "There were hundreds, possibly thousands
of butterflies in the area. The butterflies were undoubtedly at various
body temperatures- some were flying around (some strongly, some weakly)
and others appeared to be actively trying to raise their temperature
(basking on the bald cypress trees and some vibrating their wings).
Quite an amazing spectacle. Today, there is not a monarch to be found-
I wonder how far they got?" Thanks to Kim for sharing these photos
of monarchs getting ready to fly from Ontario:
09/23/02
Cape May Point, NJ
Dick Walton reports, "We had a large movement of monarchs into
Cape May on the afternoon of September 23th." Data for the first
three weeks of our Road Census is posted on the Cape May Monarch Census
website.
Joining the stream are monarchs that have been raised and released
by students.
09/20/02
Rye, NH
As the first grade class at Rye Elementary released their newly hatched
monarch "another couple of monarchs came flying by. Good timing!"
they said. "They flew off together."
09/18/02
Madbury, NH
Not far away in Madbury, NH students at Moharimet School shared the
same experience! "We raised 3 Monarch caterpillars in our class.
While releasing them this afternoon, we observed several other Monarchs
flying in a southerly direction. We hope our three will join them. "
Hurricanes and Other
Hazards
After witnessing a nice migration in San Antonio, TX (an average of two
butterflies/minute) and with Hurricane Isidore brewing nearby, Bright Star
Academy wrote,
"The kids wondered
whether the storm system brought on by Hurricane Isidore, would keep
the monarchs in our inland area longer, or if they would pass through
our area at a faster rate. "
Good question! This satellite view shows the wind patterns associated
with the tropical storm. How might the hurricane system affect monarchs
trying to head south?
Every fall, hurricane season occurs during migration. We've heard some
interesting stories. In 1999, monarchs were apparently blown
to England after Hurricane Floyd! We've also seen the effect on other
species. A peregrine
falcon being tracked by satellite was caught crossing the Caribbean
during Hurricane Mitch. After almost reaching Venezuela it was blown back
to Cuba. Even underwater, manatees
are affected. During Hurricane Floyd, a manatee moved into a sheltered
canal along with boats that were seeking safe harbor.
Try This!
Identify the Many Challenges Monarchs Must Survive
Migration is a survival story. The monarchs now traveling must survive two
legs of migration and a long winter in Mexico. Other than hurricanes, what
hazards can you identify? Start a list today and see how many examples you
can add this year! (Make a column for each season: Fall, Winter and Spring)
Migration is Not for Babies:
Challenge Question #5
Every now and then, we receive migration reports rom observers who say they
have sighted baby monarchs migrating. These observations are sent from people
who are new to Journey North, and who are just beginning to learn about
monarch biology. Their comments bring a challenging question to mind:
Challenge Question #5
"How would you explain to a person who's new to tracking monarch
migration why it's impossible to see a baby monarch migrating? (Hint:
Include a description of the monarch life cycle in your answer.)
(To respond to this question, please follow the instructions
below.)
Migration Math: Discussion
of Challenge Question #4
Congratulations to Ms. West's students in Poth, Texas for another terrific
Challenge Question solution! Here's how they did it:
"Our class compared the observers' sightings by changing each
one to how many butterflies they saw per hour. Starting with who saw
the most butterflies to the fewest, here is our migration math:
- Observer #2: 120 monarchs/hour
- Observer #4: 100 monarchs/hour
- Observer #1: 72 monarchs/hour
- Observer #6: 36 monarchs/hour
- Observer #3: 34 monarchs/hour
- Observer #5: 13 monarchs/hour
Symbolic Migration Reminder:
Deadline is October 11 The
countdown continues, with only 14 more butterfly-making days until the
October 11th postmark deadline.
Butterfly-Making Tip: Your new Mexican friends are eager to learn all
about you! For extra writing space, make a tiny envelope and glue it under
the butterfly's wing. Insert a letter inside.
"But won't
this tip make the butterfly 3 dimensional and therefore ineligible for
the program?," asked a considerate Connecticut teacher.
In fact, a few decorations are fine. And it's always fine to add a letter.
We just can't have butterflies built from clay, pipe cleaners, wire, and
other bulky 3D materials. We're looking forward to seeing your creations!
How to Respond to Today's Challenge Question
1. Address an e-mail message to: jn-challenge-monarch@learner.org
2. In the Subject Line write: Challenge Question #5
3. In the body of the message, answer the question above.
The Next Monarch Migration Update Will Be Posted on October 4,
2002.
Copyright 2002 Journey
North. All Rights Reserved.
Please send all questions, comments, and suggestions to our feedback form
|