Monarch Butterfly Migration Update: November 11, 2005 Today’s Update Includes:
Mass Arrival at the Sanctuaries Last Saturday As thousands upon thousands of butterflies reached the El Rosairo sanctuary last Saturday, Dr. Carlos Galindo-Leal snapped the spectacular image below.
How many monarchs can you count in this single patch of sky? Maybe your own butterfly is pictured here! Or one that you saw flying overhead during migration.
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Picture is Worth a Thousand Words
Here are Estela Romero’s parting words: Will My Butterfly Be OK? Exploring Over-wintering Habitat in Mexico Why do the monarchs migrate to this region in Mexico? What is so special about it? When Journey North begins again next February, we’ll take a close look at the monarch’s over-wintering habitat, and how the butterflies are able to survive there. Meanwhile, explore these maps and pictures. Consider the key components of habitat: Food, water, shelter and space. Make a class list with a column for each habitat component. Record all of the questions your class has about the monarch’s winter habitat. Try to answer your own questions, and form theories as to how the monarchs are adapted to survive.
Try This! Monitor the Climate of the Over-wintering Region
Just For Teachers: Suggestions for Assessment Now that the fall monarch migration is drawing to a close, it's a good time for students to reflect on what they have learned during the journey. The following activities and journal pages will help you assess how your students' understanding has grown.
Traveling With a Monarch: Tell the Story of Fall Migration As you've traveled with monarchs on their 2,500-mile journey, you've surely learned a lot along the way. Use your new understanding to tell the story of this amazing survival tale.
Habitat and Migration This fall, we've watched as millions of monarch butterflies left their breeding grounds in the north and traveled across the continent. They had to fly up to 2,500 miles to a winter home in Mexico in order to survive. What did you learn about habitat and migration?
See You When Journey North Begins Next February! Thank you for helping to track the monarch migration this fall. We hope you'll be back next spring to track the northward migration, as you welcome the butterflies' return to your home town. Watch for weekly updates from the monarch sanctuaries beginning Friday, February 4, 2006. This is the FINAL Fall Monarch Butterfly Migration Update. See You in February!
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