"Peak migration is here. There are monarchs flying over my house right now! You can see them all over Ciudad Victoria, floating like bubbles in the sky."
— October 27, 2015  Ciudad Victoria, Tamaulipas

Only 80 Miles to Go
The southernmost roost report came from a town in central Mexico, only 80 miles north of the overwintering region.

"We have 40 monarchs roosting in our conifer tree. Normal arrival is around Halloween based on my 14 years of observation."
— October 25, 2015  San Miguel Allende, Guanajuato

Vacating the North
Note the dramatic drop in sightings reported from north of the Mexican border over the past 3 weeks.

Population Increase?
More roosts and larger concentrations this fall are raising hopes for a population increase from the record lows of the past 3 years. Scientists will measure the population in December; results are typically available by March.

• Looking at the graph, how do you think this winter's population will compare to those in previous years?
  

The first monarchs traditionally reach their winter home in Mexico by the first of November, the Day of the Dead.

"The arrival of the monarchs symbolizes our ancestors' souls returning to Earth for their annual visit," says Estela Romero.

• Arrival and Mexican Traditions