"While on the playground, our class saw 10 monarchs fly over within 20 minutes. They are moving south very fast!" reported Mrs. Colleps' 1st grade class from Waxahachie, Texas on October 10th.

Another cold front is pushing southward into Texas today, October 12th. Watch for a substantial influx during the next 2 days while the north winds blow.

Texas-bound Butterflies
Texas is the only state that all monarchs must cross on their way to Mexico. Butterflies moving down from northern latitudes are all heading there. The migration pathway is narrowing now, and the butterflies will become more and more concentrated.

More on the Way
Peak reports came in this week from North Carolina, Tennessee, and Oklahoma. The 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? Read more...

Oklahomans were reporting peak migration across the state:

"This is the most I've ever seen in my yard at one time in 10 years. It was like a massive convergence!" reported Laura from Tulsa, Oklahoma on October 6th.

"My brother said they were coming through as singles at about 1 per minute. Some were so high he could not have seen them without binoculars," reported Brush about a sighting in Milo, Oklahoma on October 7th.

 

How could you measure the height and distance at which monarchs are no longer visible?

Teaching Suggestions