News:
Spring 2010
Posted
Thursdays:
Feb. 4, 11, 18, 25, Mar. 4, 11, 18, 25, Apr. 1, 8, 15, 22, 29, May 6,
13, 20, 27, ...and weekly until the migration is complete!
Three months, two generations, three countries, three primary languages, and hundreds of miles. Look how far the monarchs have come! This week, take a month-by-month look at the migration and compare this year to past years. Also: Look at the holes on the monarch caterpillar. What do you suppose they are for?
Monarch sightings soared during the past week to a record-breaking high number, and the migration moved into Manitoba. How much farther north do you think the monarchs will migrate? Predict and hypothesize in your journal. Also this week: Look at a dozen butterfly eggs and describe one. How does your chosen egg compare to the monarch?
Monarchs, monarchs (almost) everywhere! An outbreak of sightings occurred during the past week in the Upper Midwest, and egg-laying was substantial. We welcome this burst in numbers every May, but this year especially. What other creatures inhabit the milkweed patch? This week, meet some of the monarch's neighbors and find out who their enemies are.
Freezing temperatures swept across the north this week and held the migration back, but kids caught monarchs moving into new territory on Monday. A different species of butterfly was also migrating in large numbers. Can you distinguish a monarch from a look-alike butterfly?
What a week! The new generation of monarchs appeared in full force and the migration expanded all the way into Canada. What caused the change? Look at last week's weather conditions in a process called "weather backtracking." Also this week, think about a monarch butterfly's senses and how they perceive the world. What senses lead a monarch to find milkweed in your garden?
It's the end of April and a time of anticipation. Why are observers watching butterfly wings closely? What information will the wings reveal? Also this week, find out what historical maps say about this spring's migration. Photo: Raul Gonzalez
Waiting and hoping...The next generation of monarchs is developing now and the monarchs from Mexico are reaching their final days. Consider the monarch's need for renewal on Earth Day. Where is habitat most important in the early spring? A pie chart reveals clues. Also this week: How does the monarch get out of its chrysalis? Take a close look!
Our northernmost monarch reached latitude 39N this week and monarchs were reported in five new states. Sightings from the Atlantic Coast may be revealing a new discovery about monarch migration. Also this week, can you name another species that eats nectar and travels where monarchs do? Photo: Bud Hensley
With south winds blowing out of Texas, the migration entered three new states in a single week. A new generation of monarchs is developing across Texas now. Predict when and where the first new butterflies will appear. Also, check out the stripes on monarch larvae and a surprising survival strategy. Photo: Carol Cullar
Monarch
Butterfly Migration Update: April 1, 2010
It's peak migration in Texas now, and the sudden increase in sightings
is a welcome surprise. What do you think could explain the change? This
week, tell us how your garden grows. Have you created habitat for monarchs
at your school, home or in your community? Photo:
Susan Matthews
The migration is crossing Texas now and appears to be entering Louisiana. With numbers low this spring, everybody is wondering what it will take for the population to recover. How does a population grow? This week, learn about the monarch's reproductive potential and explore the factors that can limit the population's size.
Monarch
Butterfly Migration Update: March 18, 2010
The first monarchs are now appearing in Texas! During spring migration,
a female monarch leaves a trail of eggs behind her as she travels. As
you begin to track monarch migration this spring, think of the hope embodied
in tiny eggs and nature's power of regeneration. Then give three cheers
for the monarchs that survived the long winter in Mexico!
Monarch
Butterfly Migration Update: March 11, 2010
Here come the monarchs! 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
must be precise. Why do the monarchs go now, and how do they know when
to leave? Image: Don Davis
It's March! The monarch's journey north is about to begin. At the colonies in Mexico, the days are getting longer, the air is getting drier, and the temperatures are getting warmer. It's almost time to go! Get ready to track the spring migration. Photo: Dr. Lincoln Brower, Sweet Briar College
This week, scientists and citizens share their observations from Mexico as they look at the causes and consequences of this month's storm. The deforestation that has long worried monarch scientists is now a heightened concern for the citizens of Angangueo. "If we don't protect the forest, we can see the serious consequences for ourselves." Photo: Elizabeth Howard
This week's word is survival. The strong spirit of the people of Angangueo survives as they pick up the pieces of their lives, literally and figuratively. Monarch butterflies migrate to Mexico to survive. So what happens to the butterflies when a strong storm and below-freezing temperatures strike their winter refuge? Photo: Dr. Lincoln Brower
Last week's disaster in Mexico's monarch butterfly region continues to be our focus and concern. Students can send moral support by writing letters. Those who want to send financial support can contribute to Journey North's fundraising drive as described in this report. In the days ahead, we expect to hear how the severe weather affected the monarch butterflies. Scientists are concerned to know whether the forests provided adequate protection.
After extreme rainfall in central Mexico, a disastrous flood struck the mountain town of Angangueo, Michoacan. This little town—which is located at the center of the monarch butterfly overwintering region—sustained extensive material damage and even human loss. Please watch for further news about how to send disaster relief to our friends in Angangueo and the surrounding communities.
Welcome to Journey North's 17th season! Three months ago, the first monarchs reached their winter home in Mexico after a long, fall migration. How many monarchs made it to Mexico — and how are the butterflies doing? This week, explore the population data scientists have just collected. Find out how scientists measure the size of the monarch population and what the data means for conservation. Photo: Dr. Lincoln Brower, Sweet Briar College
Welcome to Journey North's spring monarch migration season! Starts February 4, 2010
Winter:
We begin each year while the monarchs are still at the overwintering
sites, deep in central Mexico. The monarch’s story of survival during
the winter months in Mexico is as spectacular as their incredible migration.
During the first weeks, we’ll look at the monarch’s winter
habitat and their adaptations for survival.
Spring:
Get ready to track the migration! The monarchs head north in March. Find
out how to report your sightings and track the migration on real-time
migration maps.
© 1997 – 2019 Journey North. All rights reserved.