"Faithful to their cultural and ancestral tradition, the monarchs have begun to arrive in their overwintering palace in Mexico. Unlike last year, when the Monarchs came late, around the 10th of November, this year they arrived at their appointed time, on the Day of the Dead in Mexico."

The discovery of so many monarchs already in the Sanctuary was a surprise, says Martínez Meza:

"The Monarchs have not been seen on the roads or in open spaces in Michoacán, but some have already reached the fir forests!"

Millions More on the Way
Monarchs will continue to arrive throughout the month of November and into December, depending on wind and temperature conditions along the migratory path to the north. Very late monarchs continue to be reported, including one this week in Ontario.

Individual Journeys
Each butterfly now resting in the forest has completed a magnificent migration. We have a rare opportunity, when tagged monarchs are found, to see snapshots of individual journeys. Two recent recoveries raise questions and reveal clues about migration.

• Recovery #1: New Jersey to Florida
• Recovery #2: Arizona to California