Journey South News: Fall 2011
Posted Thursdays: Aug. 25, Sep. 1, 8, 15, 22, 29, Oct. 6, 13, 20, 27, Nov. 3....or weekly until the first monarchs arrive in Mexico!

Migration news / Live migration maps / Authentic field observations from citizen scientists / Photo of the week / Research Questions / Related lessons and links.

Monarch Butterfly Migration Update: November 10, 2011
Thank you for helping to track the monarch's migration to Mexico! Please join us again in February, 2012. We'll begin with weekly news from Mexico, and preparations for spring migration. We end our fall migration season with a key question: How many monarchs made it to Mexico, and how is the population doing? Image: Filipe Martinez

Dia de los Muertos in Angangueo, Michoacan, Mexico Monarch Butterfly Migration Update: November 3, 2011
"Monarchs adorn the sky while people in town prepare one of our most significant festivities in all México, El Día de los Muertos," Estela Romero wrote this week. Why do monarchs fly across the continent to reach this part of Mexico? What's so special about this place? Image: Estela Romero
Monitoring the monarch butterflies' arrival in Angangueo, Michoacan Monarch Butterfly Migration Update: October 27, 2011
The first monarchs have reached their winter home in Mexico! It's one of nature's great miracles. Monarchs find a place on the planet where none has ever been. This week, explore how the monarch's arrival is connected to Mexican traditions. Image: Estela Romero
Road sign in Mexico along monarch migration route. Monarch Butterfly Migration Update: October 20, 2011
Northern Mexico's skies were "painted orange and black" this week as monarchs crossed in the thousands. Mexico's geography is funneling the migration into rivers of butterflies. Highway signs warn to drive carefully. Monarch butterflies are mariposas monarcas now! Image: Rocio Trevino
Monarch butterfly on Mexican side of the border! Monarch Butterfly Migration Update: October 13, 2011
The migration is entering Mexico now, and warm fall temperatures in the north are giving monarchs more time to fly. How much farther must the monarchs travel? Compare distances from two flyways. Also, explore the food chain mystery. How are monarchs and aphids connected? Photo: Paul Nava
Monarch Butterfly Migration Update: October 6, 2011
Monarchs are pouring into Texas now, and they're eating something surprising. Can you solve the mystery? Peak migration reports show monarchs moved in massive numbers this week. It's October. The monarchs must hurry before they're trapped by the cold! Explore how temperatures affect fall migration. Photo: Layla Battista
Estela, with her mother Lolita, and daughter Emilia.

Monarch Butterfly Migration Update: September 29, 2011
"We're ready to host the monarchs!" Estela Romero reports from Mexico. Meanwhile, millions of monarchs are headed their way. Learn how to count monarchs this week, using standard units. "Our 4th grade counted 20 monarchs in 30 minutes!" Arkansas students say.
Photo: Estela Romero

Monarch Butterfly with proboscis labeled.

Monarch Butterfly Migration Update: September 22, 2011
The first day of fall is approaching, temperatures are falling, and monarchs are flying. This week, explore the world of monarch tagging. Tiny tags lead to big discoveries!
Photo: Jim Gilbert

Overnight roost of monarch butterflies during fall migration

Monarch Butterfly Migration Update: September 15, 2011
Hundreds of people from Canada to Mexico reported migrating monarchs last week. When the butterflies came down to rest, some lucky people discovered an overnight roost: "We had hundreds of monarchs staying last night in the trees out back. What an amazing sight!" This week, learn about the overnight roost and the key role citizen scientists play in studying them.
Photo: Pat Swerkstrom

A Nectarivor Eats Nectar

Monarch Butterfly Migration Update: September 8, 2011
The first strong cold front of the season sent monarchs sailing this week. Hungry monarchs stopped to feed from flowers as they traveled. This week, explore why nectar is so important to monarchs during fall migration. What concerns does Dr. Brower have as the monarchs approach drought-stricken Texas?
Photo: Robert Woodward

Monarch Butterfly

Monarch Butterfly Migration Update: September 1, 2011
Welcome to Journey South's fall migration season. As monarchs travel to Mexico through your hometown, what signs of migration might you see? This week, learn when, where, and how you can watch fall monarch migration. Please report your sightings!
Photo: Vincent Burrola

Welcome and Orientation
Beginning Thursday, August 25th, weekly FALL MIGRATION UPDATES will be posted here every Thursday, from September to November. (See schedule above.)
Get ready to track the migration to Mexico. Find out how to report your sightings and track the migration on real-time migration maps. More...

Pre-Migration News: July 15, 2011
In just two weeks we'll open our database to collect your "fall" observations, and we'll change our name to Journey South for the season. We hope you'll join us as we track the monarch migration to Mexico!