Journey North Monarch Butterfly Spring 2006

Monarch Butterfly Migration Update: March 10, 2006
They’re on their way! Monarchs streamed through town by the millions, flying north from the overwintering sites in Mexico. Reports arrived from the Mexican states of Queretaro and Guanajuato, too--and even from central Texas. Spring monarch migration is officially underway! But look at this map of winter monarch sightings and read a story about an amazing discovery in Virginia. Why are so many monarchs so far north so early in the spring? This promises to be a fascinating spring spring migration.
Today's Report Includes: Here Come the Monarchs! Field Notes from Mexico from Dr. Bill Calvert This Season's First Migration Map and Data Not All Monarchs Went to Mexico! The Warm Winter of 2006 A Monarch Overwintering at Latitude 36N? Meet Monarch #512 If We Assumed all Monarchs Went to Mexico... Wrap-up: CQ #4, #5 and #6 (Send us your answers!) Ask the Expert (Send us your questions!)
Here Come the Monarchs!
They’re on their way! The first signs of mass migration were reported this week from the overwintering sites in Mexico. The excitement filled the air, just as the monarchs did. Sunday, March 5th, was a remarkable day. From noon until 4 pm monarchs streamed through Angangueo by the millions, flying north, according to a first-hand report from Carole Jordan who was lucky enough to be there. North of the overwinter region--in the Mexican states of Queretaro and Guanajuato--migrating monarchs were also spotted. Even central Texas reported in this week: "Adult Male sighted about 2 pm Sunday the fifth of March flying south to north following the Guadulupa River," came the word from Center Point, Texas. The monarch migration of spring 2006 is now officially underway! Photo courtesy of Dr. Lincoln Brower, Sweet Briar College
Field Notes from Mexico from Dr. Bill Calvert
"Movement!" exclaimed Dr. Calvert when he called in this week from the tiny mountain town of Angangueo. "We were overwhelmed with movement of butterflies." Butterflies filled the town this week. Thirsty butterflies mobbed the flower patches and water sources below the mountains. But if thirst drives this behavior, asks Calvert, why not fly down to the water, drink, and then return? Why the large rivers of circulating butterflies that so dazzle us humans? Why is this behavior so prevalent at this time, late in the season? It may be a simple answer... Field Notes from Mexico from Dr. Bill Calvert		You can read and hear Dr. Calvert's news and observations.
This Season's First Migration Map and Data
Use today's data to make your own map, or print and analyze our map: Migration Map Migration Data for Classroom Mapping Slideshow (Week-by-week animation) Also see: Key Lessons and Resources for Mapping
Not All Monarchs Went to Mexico!		The Warm Winter of 2006
The red triangles on the migration map show where people saw monarchs this winter in January or February. Take a look! Do you see some surprises? Keep these sightings in mind as you track the migration this spring. This is the 13th year we have tracked monarch migration, and never have so many monarchs been so far north so early in the spring! Explore the collection of this winter's temperature maps. What statements can you make about weather and monarch survival in winter, based on these maps?
A Monarch Overwintering at Latitude 36N?		Meet Monarch #512
“Is this possible?” began the e-mail to Dr. Lincoln Brower from Mr. and Mrs. Williams in Virginia. “The evidence seems to indicate that this male monarch probably overwintered in our pine trees for over five months.” How do they know? Read this incredible story about a discovery last week in Virginia. A Monarch Overwintering at Latitude 36N?		A real survivor!
*If We Assumed* all Monarchs Went to Mexico...**
...then maybe we wouldn't look for them! This concern was raised by Mr. Charles Cameron of the Carolina Butterfly Society. "I have wondered for some time how much the discovery of the Mexican overwintering sites has distorted a complete picture of Monarch behavior,” he said. Here’s a chance to think about how important it is in science to keep an open mind: If We Assumed all Monarchs Went to Mexico...
Wrap-up: Challenge Questions #4, #5 and #6		Send us your answers!
If you haven't yet responded to these Challenge Questions, please do so now. Next week we'll wrap up for the winter season and start spring Challenge Questions.
Challenge Question #4 Where do monarchs find water in the winter?	Challenge Question #5 How many butterfly trees do you count?	Challenge Question #6 How many football fields would this year's monarch population cover?

Ask the Expert		Send us your questions!
Once again this year, monarch biologist Dr. Karen Oberhauser has volunteered to respond to students' questions. We are thrilled to offer this opportunity to you. Send your questions! The deadline is next Friday, March 17, 2006
The Next Monarch Migration Update Will Be Posted on March 17, 2006