Monarch Butterflies
Migration Update: March 9, 2007
Please Report
Your Sightings! >>

Today's Report Includes:

  • The Migration is Underway! >>
    • Migration Maps, Questions and Highlights
    • Highlights: Here Come the Monarchs!
  • The Spring Migration: A Race Against Time >>
  • Journal: What Will Happen Next! >>
  • Links: Monarch Butterfly Resources to Explore >>


Here Come the Monarchs!


Photo: Dr. Lincoln Brower:

The Migration: Maps, Data and Questions

Distribution Map >>

Real-time Map >>

Map Questions >>

  • Animated Map (Week-by-week slideshow) >>
  • Data for Classroom mapping >>
  • Raw data >>
  • Map (Printer Friendly) >>

Highlights: 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. Chip Taylor of Monarch Watch was there and noted: "The butterflies are in great shape. The proportion of monarchs with tattered wings and low fat reserves appears to be low. The winter was mild and the result seems to be that those surviving the winter are well prepared for the 600 or so miles they need to travel to reach the milkweed areas of Texas."

North of the overwinter region — in Texas — the very first migrating monarchs were already spotted! "Right on time! Here in the Rio GrandeValley I saw the first Monarch of the year yesterday morning," wrote Jesús Franco of Mission, Texas. Meanwhile, unseasonably cold temperatures swooped as far south as Texas earlier this week. Will the hard frost affect the young milkweed? Harlen Aschen wonders.

Against this backdrop, the monarch migration of spring 2007 is now officially underway!

The Spring Migration: A Race Against Time

Spring migration begins every March in a flurry. The monarchs are in a race against time. They can't stay in Mexico any longer — but they can't move north too quickly either. The timing of their spring migration must be precise. How do they know when to leave, and why do they go now?

Slideshow >>

Journal: What Will Happen Next?


Teachers: Predicting the Route of the Spring Migration (related lesson) >>

Where will the Monarchs arrive next? When will they reach you? Here are two ways you can record your predictions each week this spring:

  • Each week, print a blank map, and date it. Draw a line to show how far the migration has moved. Summarize what you see in words. Predict and draw: Where will the butterflies be next week? Save your map; compare your predictions with the actual map each week.

AND/OR

  • Use the spring migration prediction chart to record when and where you think the monarchs will arrive. >>
Links: Monarch Butterfly Resources to Explore
  • Monarch Migration Journals (click-and-print) >>
  • Reading Strategy: Summarize Information >>
  • Mapping—Key Lessons & Resources: Making, Reading and Interpreting Maps >>
  • Predicting: Predicting the Route of the Spring Migration >>
  • Ask the Expert Now Underway! How to Prepare and Send Your Questions >>
  • Monarchs for Kids (booklets, photos, videos) >>
More Monarch Lessons and Teaching Ideas!

The Next Monarch Migration Update Will Be Posted on March 16, 2007.

© 1997 – 2024 Journey North. All rights reserved.