Anticipating Arrivals

More monarchs are moving south through Mexico, and it won't be long before the first wave of arrivals reaches overwintering sites. Estela Romero shares her first report of the season from the Monarch Butterfly Biosphere Reserve, and Gail Morris highlights the latest Western monarch activity.

Monarch roost in Mexico — Photo: Elsa in Monterrey, N.L., MX (10/25/2022)

The Leading Edge of Migration

Activity continues to grow in Mexico as November nears. Reports of roosts are beginning to come in, and it won't be long before the first wave of monarchs arrives at overwintering sites in Michoacan and the State of Mexico.

Elsa Hernández in Monterrey, N.L.: "I saw several roosts with around 480 butterflies resting on pine trees and anacuas. No wind, 28° C." (10/24/2022)

In the Western U.S., monarch numbers are increasing near and along the California coast.

Michelle in San Jose, CA: "Three flitting around together. One landed for nectar." (10/25/2022)

Letter From Estela Romero: Overwintering Season Is Near

In her first report of the season, Estela Romero shares that anticipation is building as monarchs approach their overwintering sites within the oyamel fir forests of Central Mexico. Estela writes, "Millions of these butterflies shall announce their arrival by flying in countless directions as they traverse the foothills of the Sierra Madres, before they finally spot and rush up to their final roosting destinations."

Stay tuned for regular updates from Estela describing monarch activity within the Monarch Butterfly Biosphere Reserve!

Eastern Monarch Population

Eastern Monarch Fall 2021 Report #4

Peak activity in the Eastern Flyway is largely concentrated along the Gulf Coast. Along the Central Flyway, Texas remains a hotspot of activity. Farther south, more monarchs are making their way into Mexico. And farther north, some monarchs are still passing through Ontario and the Midwest.

Western Monarch Population

Letter from Gail Morris: Western Monarch Fall 2021 Report #4

This week, Gail Morris reports good news from California. Stephanie Turcotte and colleagues at the Pacific Grove Museum of Natural History reported seeing 3,828 monarchs at the Pacific Grove Monarch Sanctuary. Monarchs are also being spotted across the southern tier of the West in Utah, Arizona, New Mexico, Nevada and California. As Gail notes, “Monarchs were reported in the mountain passes of California for the first time this season. As cooler weather sets in the region monarchs will hurry on their way.”

Keep Reporting

If you’re still observing monarch activity, keep reporting! Your observations are so valuable for our collective understanding of monarch migration. Thanks for all you do.