Monarch Butterflies
Migration Update: May 22, 2008
Please Report
Your Sightings! >>

Today's Report Includes:

  • The Migration: Maps, Questions and Highlights
    • Cool Temperatures Slow Northward Migration >>
    • Where are Monarchs in May? Compare 2000-2008 >>

See any milkweed? >>

 
The Migration: Maps, Questions and Highlights

Map/Animation/Sightings

Where are Monarchs in May?
Compare and Contrast >>

Map Questions >>

Highlights: Cool Temperatures Slow Northward Migration

They are few and far between, but monarchs have now reached latitude 45 north, according to reports from Eau Claire, Wisconsin, Minnetonka, Minnesota, and Port Severn, Ontario where an early monarch was sighted on May 16th:

"Frankly, I was initially very skeptical about this report from the Georgian Bay area," said Canadian monarch expert Don Davis, "but the observer also posted photographs of this faded monarch. It may have had difficulty flying due to cool temperatures."

The cool temperatures are due to the position of the jet stream which dipped below the latitude of the Great Lakes last week, and held the cold air mass in place. When the pattern breaks on Saturday south winds should bring warm air—and monarchs—northward. Let's see!
Jet stream pattern
responsible for cold temperatures in the north (SFSU)		 Cooler than normal
Cool conditions continued at least through May 22nd

When the monarchs reach Ripon, Wisconsin, in large numbers we're sure to know, thanks to Larry Miller and many faithful observers:

"I observed my FIRST MONARCH at my farm today at about noon on May 17th. Very exciting! Our church has been following the monarch migration and the migration map is being posted on the big screens each Sunday. There was a big clap when I announced seeing the first monarch. Everyone is looking. Isn't that great!"

Where are Monarchs in May? Compare 2000-2008  >>
How does this spring's migration compare to those in past years? Take a look at these snapshots of spring migration over the past 8 years. Each map shows where the monarchs were at the same moment in May.

Preciting the Path of the Monarch's Spring Migration >>
There are no new states or provinces to add to your list! When do you predict monarchs will reach northern the New England states of Massachusetts, Rhode Island, New Hampshire, Vermont, and Maine? How about Quebec and the Maritime Provinces?
Slideshow: Hunting for the First Milkweed of Spring >>

It's fun to hunt for milkweed in the spring. It can be hiding right in front of your eyes. The first milkweed I saw this spring was already two inches tall before I found it. I had been looking every day!

Come on a photo safari and see if you can find the milkweed that's hiding in these pictures.

Slideshow >>

Symbolic Monarchs: Over 17,000 on the Map! Are Yours? >>

Please help! If you have not put your butterflies on the map yet, picture Kathy Marks' classroom full of kids and come to the rescue:

I was wondering if you could put a message on your website strongly reminding teachers to please report a found symbolic butterfly. My kindergarten class is so disappointed as only one of ours has been reported. We check 5 times a day to see where ours landed.

While there are now over 17,000 children's butterflies on the map, over 70,000 children sent butterflies to Mexico. Please report yours. >>

Kids are waiting— please report! >>

Year-end Evaluation: Please Share Your Thoughts! >>

Will you take a few minutes to complete our Year-end Evaluation?

With your help, we can we document Journey North's reach, impact and value. We need comments like yours to keep the program going and growing.

Thank you! >>

Year-end Evaluation >>
 Links: Monarch Butterfly Resources to Explore
More Monarch Lessons and Teaching Ideas!

The Next Monarch Migration Update Will Be Posted on May 29, 2008.

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