Migration Update: October 19, 2007
Please Report
Your Sightings! >>

Today's Report Includes:

  • Challenge Question #8: Where and When Was the Monarch Tagged? >>
  • Migration Rate Math: Who Will See the Strongest Migration? >>

How much farther must this monarch fly? >>

The Migration: Maps, Questions and Highlights

Peak
(Map|List)

Roosts
(Map|List)
All
(Map|List)

Distribution Map >>

About these maps >>

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Make your own map >>

Map Questions >>

Highlights: Blowing Toward the Border!

Texas Central Flyway:
The week began with many sightings but little progress southward. Then, the wind finally shifted to the north and the migration's leading edge advanced to within 75 miles of the U.S./Mexican border. Por fin! (At last!) because the migration is at least one week late in northern Mexico.

News From Northern Mexico:
"Estoy otra vez desconcertada con el paso de las monarcas, igual que el año pasado, son muy pocas las mariposas que se observan," reported Rocio Treviño on Wednesday, October 17th.

Rocio lives about 200 miles south of the monarch's border crossing. Traditionally, the migration reaches her home in Saltillo, Coahuila by October 12th. Why does she say that date is so easy to remember? Try reading her message in Spanish to find out:

  • Rocio Treviño reports from Saltillo, Coahuila, Mexico >>

Tagged Monarch Discovered!
In his back yard in Grape Creek, Texas, Mr. Alley discovered a tagged monarch butterfly. He took its picture so carefully that you can even read the number on the tag!

  • Read the news... >>

Atlantic Coast:
On the same day that south winds stalled the migration in Texas, north winds provided perfect migration conditions on the Atlantic Coast. On the beaches and dunes from New York to Virginia, people witnessed the season's most spectacular pulse. Watch the animated map and see how monarchs appear to have blown to the coast over the past few weeks. (Or, does the map show more monarchs because there are so many people on the coast? This is a variable we must always remember to consider!)

  • Here is a snapshot of some of this week's highlights: >>

News From the Finish Line in Mexico:
Estela Romero and her students are watching and waiting for the first monarchs to arrive. This week, four students sent news from their small mountain town:

  • Estela Romero and students report from Angangueo, Michoacan, Mexico. >>

 


October 18, 2007

At last! Strong northerly winds reached Texas on Wednesday. But the monarchs have only two days for a free ride. The wind will shift to the south by Saturday.


October 14, 2007
South winds stalled the migration in Texas, while north winds provided perfect migration conditions along the Atlantic Coast.


Take a look!

Migration Rate Math

Who will see the record flight for fall 2007?

 
Challenge Question #8: Where and When Was the Monarch Tagged?

A tagged monarch was discovered at a roost in Texas last week. It's fun to imagine where this monarch was tagged. All butterflies must fly through Texas on their way to Mexico, so:

  • Exactly where —and when — do you think the butterfly was tagged? Make your prediction and send us your guess! >>

Answer to last week's question

Challenge Question #7 >>

Links: This Week's Monarch Resources
  • Geography: Mexico-bound? All Monarchs Must Fly Across Texas>>
  • Migration Rate Math: Who will see the strongest migration this fall? >>
  • Activity: How much farther must this monarch fly? >>
  • Monarchs for Kids (booklets, photos, videos) >>
  • Book and Slideshow: The Magic of Monarch Migration >>
  • Go Outside! Watch how monarch butterfly habitat is changing! >>
  • Orientation: Welcome to new participants! >>
More Monarch Lessons and Teaching Ideas!

The Next Monarch Migration Update Will Be Posted on October 26, 2007.