This Week's Update Includes:

• News: Fall Migration is Underway!
• Slideshow and Puzzle: Monarch Annual Cycle
• The Migration: Maps and Journal

"Monarchs flying in a southwest direction at the Kenesserie Tallgrass Prairie. Monarchs have been very common at this prairie site all summer, but now they are flying in the same direction rather stopping to browse for milkweed or nectar."
8/19/12 Highgate, Ontario

Watching the Map
We're expecting the first report of roosting monarchs any moment. The shift to roosting behavior is another sign of fall migration, and is typically first reported from northern latitudes by now.

"So far it's getting off to a slow start. I've seen a few single butterflies choosing a tree at sun down but not large numbers yet."
8/21/12 Chatham, Ontario

"No roosts yet. Our monarch numbers have been quite low this season, so when we start seeing larger numbers we will know those Canadian monarchs are on their way."
8/20/12 New London, MN

Asking Questions
Monarchs typically cycle through four generations during the breeding season. The final generation migrates to Mexico.

• How did this summer's extreme heat and drought affect monarch reproduction?

• How will the drought in the Midwest affect the migration?

We'll follow these questions as we travel across the continent with the monarchs this fall. Your observations help to tell the story.

• Please report your monarch sightings.

		Journal
All Sightings (map | animation | sightings)	Fall Roosts (map | animation | sightings)