Here they come! The mass migration from Mexico is underway, and monarchs are appearing on the breeding grounds to the north. Three cheers for the monarchs that survived the long winter in Mexico! During spring migration, each female monarch leaves a trail of eggs behind her as she travels. As you track monarch migration this spring, think of the hope embodied in tiny eggs.

This Week's Update Includes:

• News: Here They Come!
  • Leaving Mexico's Winter Sanctuaries
  • Sightings on the Breeding Grounds
• Slideshow: A New Generation: The Cycle of Life Continues
• The Migration: Maps and Journal Page

News: Here They Come!

"The massive migration has indeed started!" came the word from Mexico on Monday. Butterflies were everywhere as Estela Romero drove to the sanctuary—drinking, mating, flying, and ascending into the sky, apparently leaving their winter home.

"All along the main road, at every moment, it felt like little Rocinante and I would crash into butterflies as we drove along the way. Everywhere I turned my head, I could see monarchs! So do not despair. Monarchs are on the move and soon they will be there with you, birthing a new generation."

• News from Angangueo by Estela Romero
• Noticias de Angangueo por Estela Romero

Thirsty butterflies preparing for their journey north. Photos courtesy of David Hind

Good-bye Butterflies!

IMAX Film Coming

"Saw our first faded monarch at 1:05 today!" wrote Mr. Aschen from the Texas Gulf coast on Sunday. This was the sign he had been waiting for. He had seen fresh-winged monarchs earlier this month, but Sunday's faded monarch was a first, and probably came from Mexico.

People have reported 65 monarchs since March 1st. These early March sightings raise a key question:

Where Did the Monarchs Come From?
Look at the migration map. Notice where monarchs were sighted during the winter months (red triangles). Look at recent sightings, reported since March 1st (dots). At this time of year, it's impossible to know the origin of the early monarchs sighted.

• Did the monarchs come from Mexico?
• Or did the monarchs come from the Gulf coast region?

Wings Tell a Tale
Observers are paying careful attention to the condition of the monarch's wings for a clue about the butterfly's origin. Faded-winged butterflies may have come from Mexico. (Those butterflies would be at least 6 months old!) Fresh-winged butterflies may be offspring of monarchs that bred in the Gulf coast region during the winter months.