We're so happy to inform you that finally the monarchs were seen in Cerro Pelon by the Butterflies and Their People Guardians and the CEPANAF rangers (Comisión Estatal de Parques Naturales y de la Fauna).
Today, at 12:52 pm on November 3rd, just one day after Day of the Dead, Pato Moreno sent us a message saying they spotted the first monarch, and one hour later they've counted so far around 27 [monarchs].
Cooler and in some locations wet weather is descending on the monarch migration as they reach their final destinations. Sightings were once again most numerous in California and the deserts of Arizona as they reach the final leg of their journey. Monarchs are increasing at the coastal California overwintering sites and observers are hoping for a large bump in numbers soon.
Over the past week, reports are still trickling in from observers seeing larger numbers of migrating monarchs. Hot spots for monarch observations remain clustered along the Gulf Coast states and northern Mexico. Observers are all wondering how weather patterns, from persistent drought conditions in Texas to unseasonably warmer weather in the Midwest, might be impacting monarch migration this fall season.
published: 10/25/2023
Unseasonably warm temperatures have allowed monarchs to persist as far north as Canada and throughout the central flyway. Fall roosts are now reported along the Gulf Coast.
published: 10/25/2023
published: 10/10/2023
First monarchs are arriving at the northernmost California overwintering sites! Late sightings are also appearing in the Northwest states, an unusual but exciting encounter for monarchs lagging in their journey. Monarchs are appearing across all the western states as they race to their finish for their winter haven.
published: 10/11/2023
Fall roosts and peak migration events are on the rise in Texas, which has become a hotspot of activity.
Joan in Plano, TX: "Monarchs enjoying frost weed and blue mist. After our extreme heat and drought this summer this was a most welcome surprise!" (10/10/2023)
published: 10/03/2023
Illinois, Kansas, and Oklahoma were hotspots for fall roost reporting this week, with the leading edge around latitudes 34-35°N in Oklahoma, Arkansas, and northern Texas. Check out the Monarch Fall Roost map to see more observational reports submitted by Journey North volunteers.
published: 10/02/2023
Monarchs stretched across the Western States as their fall migration continued. They have been seen stopping to nectar on native sunflowers and rabbitbrush across the land but have also visited tithonia and butterfly bush in urban yards to refuel. Favorable temperatures and winds are helping them on their way.
The leading edge of fall roosts recently were concentrated around latitudes 35-38°N, primarily in Oklahoma and Kansas. Roosts show us where large concentrations of migrating monarchs are found and reveal the main migration pathways to Mexico. Check out the Monarch Fall Roost map to explore more observations.
