Massive Migration from Mexico's Over-wintering Region
A First-hand Account Contributed by Carole Jordan

March 10, 2005
I just returned to Zitacuaro from the north and slightly northwest of Pelon. We witnessed massive movement of Monarchs at all elevations from ground level up to perhaps 100 or more feet in the sky.

We were driving along the road when we noticed many Monarchs flying across our path. Then, as we slowed down, we noticed far larger numbers. At most times we were witnessing 2’s and 3’s at the road level. Then, as we gained higher elevation, the numbers increased to as many as 25 to 50 in one glance. They were flying mostly at a height of 20 to 40 feet.

This continued for some distance, until we neared the open areas near to Hwy 15 north and east of Zitacuaro. Here they reduced back down to 2's and 3’s only, but in a steady stream of perhaps 50 yards apart.

After turning onto Hwy 15 heading back into Zitacuaro, the Monarchs were flying across the road, heading north and northwest, in relatively large numbers, enough for me to put my hazard lights on and to slow down so as not to hit the low flyers. This lasted for perhaps 2 kilometers, and then we saw no more. We saw none in Zitacuaro, either.

In my estimation, we were looking at the movement of thousands of Monarchs, not simply hundreds. It was quite a sight!

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