Central Flyway
Monarchs surged southward this week across the Central Great Plains as a cold front dropped down from the north and finally ended the unseasonably hot weather — with associated south winds — that have been holding the butterflies back. A huge wave moved over a swath of northwestern Missouri, and eastern Nebraska and Kansas.

September 25: Nebraska
"There was a steady stream flying south on a strong north wind." Bellevue, NE

September 26: Missouri
"Hundreds and hundreds and hundreds of monarchs were observed." Mound City, MO

September 27: Kansas
"We counted 107 monarchs flying by our school today between about 11:00 - 1:00. Most were flying low at first but, as the day warmed and the breeze picked up, they began riding thermals higher up." Garnett, KS

Eastern Flyway
Peak flights were witnessed along the ridges of the Appalachian Mountains over the weekend, making this the first strong pulse in the Eastern Flyway.

September 27: North Carolina
"We pulled over at Caney Fork Overlook just north of the highest peak on the Blue Ridge Parkway and couldn't believe our eyes. It was around 5pm and there were hundreds of monarchs feeding on the asters."

Monarchs follow the ridges of the Appalachian Mountains. They can use "ridge lift" to gain altitude and then glide effortlessly along the ridges. These mountains create one of the best migration hotspots in the East.

Traveling Two Flyways
Over the years, sightings contributed by citizen scientists have revealed that the monarchs follow two distinct flyways as they travel to Mexico, the Central and Eastern Flyway. Notice that this year's peak migration map is now showing the predicted pattern.

Looking Ahead
Watch how the butterflies funnel toward Texas before they enter Mexico. Pay attention to longitude line 100° West; the overwintering sites are directly south.

How far to Mexico? Loving seeing these kids learn about other cultures! #brassfield @journeynorthED pic.twitter.com/sQ5GeUHjMG

— Elizabeth Lipetzky (@BrassyESPANOL) September 26, 2016

Butterfly glider launch! Does gliding help Monarchs get to Mexico? @journeynorthorg #savingenergywithgliding pic.twitter.com/YW69HiDYUH

— Krista Brinchek (@Brinchekscience) September 28, 2016