Monarch Butterflies
Migration Update: March 5, 2009
Please Report
Winter Sightings! >>

Today's Report Includes:


Photo by Dr. Lincoln Brower

Why do the monarchs move in March? >>
News from the Monarch's Winter Home in Mexico

Monarch butterflies east of the Rocky Mountains fly to Mexico. >>
They gather together on only twelve mountain top sites. Find them! >>
Spring Migration is About to Begin!

"Girls, boys, and teachers from Journey North: Monarchs will indeed leave our forests in only a few days. Dozens of them are now flying in town and stopping in small rivers and pools to drink water," wrote Estela Romero from Angangueo on Wednesday night March 4th.

"Ninos y niñas de Journey North: Sin duda las mariposas Monarca se preparan para abandonar nuestros bosques durante los próximos días. Docenas de ellas han empezado a volar por nuestro pueblo durante el día, deteniéndose en pequeños arroyos y charcos a beber agua."

Estela Romero reporting from Angangueo, Michoacan
Field Report from Mexico by Dr Bill Calvert >>

Signs of Colony Break-up Signal Spring
Signs that spring migration will soon begin were witnessed late last week by Dr. Bill Calvert who reported from the sanctuaries on Friday. At the Sierra Chincua sanctuary, the colony had expanded and was breaking up. At El Rosario, swarms of butterflies were aflight in search of water:

"The first indications of the delights to come were the tens of thousands of butterflies swarming over the llano, and thousands nectaring and drinking from mudflats, seeps, and open waters," he said. "The butterflies at Rosario were extremely active and dazzled all present with their spirited exuberance."

We expect another update any moment and will add the news here. Meanwhile here's the report from February 27th:

Dr. Bill Calvert
How are the Monarchs and the Seasons Changing?

Look at Line Graphs for Clues
Millions of monarchs are about to take to the sky and begin their journey north. The monarchs will migrate across the continent in response to Earth's seasonal cycles. What triggers their spring migration? Look at these line graphs for clues and make predictions. Then come back next week as we begin to explore the many time-sensitive connections between monarchs and the seasons.


Temperature


Fat


Rainfall


Light

Life in Mexico: Corn and the Seasons

How are people's lives affected by the seasons in Mexico? "The seasons determine the way we can grow corn and eventually prepare tortillas," explained Maria Louisa. "Tortillas are the base of our meals in México, as you probably know," began Estela Romero as she set off with Sara to tell the story of making tortillas the traditional way:

 corn51
Ask the Monarch Butterfly Expert: Still Open! >>

Special thanks to Dr. Karen Oberhauser for sharing her time and expertise again this year to answer readers' questions. Do you have questions that only an expert can answer? You have until March 13th to prepare and submit your questions to Dr. Oberhauser. What are you wondering about?

Dr. Karen Oberhauser
Report Your Sightings: Seeing Winter Monarchs or Milkweed?

The spring migration is about to begin! Before it does, please help us document where monarchs were located this winter, and where milkweed is available.

  • Please report your sightings. >>


Monarchs
(map/sightings)


Milkweed
(map/sightings)

Links: Monarch Butterfly Resources to Explore
More Monarch Lessons and Teaching Ideas!

The Next Monarch Migration Update Will Be Posted on March 12, 2009.

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