This sighting from North Carolina's southeastern shore is remarkable. Monarchs are typically reported inland, along the Appalachian Mountains. Did Hurricane Matthew blow the butterflies to the ocean?

"I was walking on the barrier island yesterday and discovered hundreds of monarchs roosting and sunning on the dunes and in the brush. I saw them coming from the ocean onto the beach and flying around the dunes. I went back with my camera this morning. It was 70 degrees with a 10-15 mph wind coming off the beach. Monarchs were still coming in off the ocean. I counted 40 in 2 mile stretch. They are roosting in every bush — at least 30 on each! They are sheltering from wind. I am standing by my estimate of 1,000 butterflies. "

— Beth Rice reporting from Sunset Beach, North Carolina on October 12, 2016

Beth Rice

 

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