Journey North News
Posted Thursdays: Feb. 2, 9, 16, 23, Mar. 1, 8, 15, 22, 29, Apr. 5, 12, 19, 26, May 3, 10, 17, 24, 31...and weekly until the migration is complete!
FINAL Monarch Butterfly Migration Update: June 20, 2012
Thank you, citizen scientists, for helping to track the monarch's spring migration! Summer is here, the migration is complete, and the breeding season is underway. This week, find out how to count monarch generations. The monarchs that migrate to Mexico this fall will be the great-great-grandchildren of those who left Mexico this spring. Please join us in August when fall migration begins.
Monarch Butterfly Migration Update: May 31, 2012
The migration is almost complete. The monarchs entered Nova Scotia this week, the sixth Canadian province. Last winter, the monarchs were crowded into a few small sanctuaries in Mexico. Look at the area they cover now, and imagine the milkweed that's available to them! Find out how you can help monitor the monarch population this summer. Image: Cyndie Glutting
Monarch Butterfly Migration Update: May 24, 2012
Canadians welcomed the monarchs' return this week as large numbers of butterflies reached the final nation of their tri-national migration. People continue to report monarchs that are early and in unprecedented numbers. All signs say 2012 is a productive breeding season!
The migration has entered three New England states and another Canadian province, and milkweed is now growing across the monarch's breeding range. This week, explore who's who in the milkweed community. Also, send us reviews of the monarch books you recommend. Image: Second grade students at Union Mills Elementary
The migration continued to surge northward during the past week. The monarchs hit the northern latitudes like a wave 1,000 miles wide, from South Dakota to New York. We're continuing to see the effects of this spring's unsually warm temperatures. Celebrate the monarch's arrival with free verse poetry. Look closely at caterpillar stripes in this week's slideshow. Image: Chuck Patterson
What a week! Sightings lit up the migration map producing our biggest count of the season. With wings to the wind, butterflies flew swiftly into new territory. This week, look closely at the wings that carry monarchs so many miles. Discover how drawing and descriptive writing can enhance scientific observation. Image: Raul Gonzales
First for Canada! The migration also moved into five new U.S. states: Pennsylvania, Ohio, Michigan, Iowa and Minnesota. Scattered sightings of very early monarchs were reported across the north this week. How far from Mexico can monarchs fly? How quickly could one monarch produce a billion butterflies? This week's news shares some surprises! Image: Elizabeth Howard
Fresh-winged butterflies of the new generation are now being seen. Meanwhile, the remaining monarchs from Mexico continue to travel and lay eggs. How many eggs can one monarch lay? See what a daily count reveals. If you're looking for an Earth Day project, support monarch habitat. They depend on it! Image: Chuck Patterson
Sightings of faded wings mean the monarchs from Mexico are reaching their final days. Yet egg-laying continues! Watch for a fresh new generation to appear. This week, compare the migrations of two nectar-eating animals. Which species will you see first this spring—and why? Image: KA Stilwell
There was a first for Kentucky this week—a monarch as well as a basketball team! Six states also saw a clear wave of arrival, Kansas, Missouri, North Carolina and Tennessee. Look closely at magnified butterfly eggs. Small things become extraordinary when keenly observed. Also, answers from the expert are here! Image: Becky Collins
Every week, citizen scientist tell the monarch's story through the observations they share. What's happening now? This week, explore how citizens scientists contribute to scientific research and discovery by sharing monarch observations. Image: Harlen Aschen
The migration has now moved as far north as Kansas—in March! How might the historic heat wave be affecting the monarchs? Also, Estela's community said farewell to the monarchs this weekend with a pre-Hispanic dance ceremony. The long-awaited population news was announced. How many monarchs were in Mexico this winter? Image: Andrew Freedman, Climate Central and NWS
Here they come! Monarchs are leaving the overwintering sites and appearing on the breeding grounds to the north. During spring migration, female monarchs leave a trail of eggs behind as they travel. As you track the migration this spring, think of the hope embodied in tiny monarch eggs.
Image: Elizabeth Howard
Ready or not? Millions of monarchs are about to take to the sky and begin their journey north. Is your habitat ready? This week, explore how seasonal changes affect monarchs and the timing of spring migration. The butterflies can't stay in Mexico much longer—but they can't move north too quickly either.
Image: Dr. Lincoln P. Brower
The first migrating monarchs have been seen, and the millions remaining are running low on fuel. March is here and it's a time of great change. Do you have questions about monarchs? Ask the Expert is now open. Image: Estela Romero
Monarch butterflies are poisonous to most predators, but millions are eaten during the winter season. Who are the monarch's enemies in Mexico, and how do the butterflies defend themselves? Image: Elizabeth Howard
Let's go see the monarchs! Estela Romero bundled up to take you on a photo tour of the world's largest sanctuary. Walk into the oyamel forest with the eyes of a scientist. What will you see? What will you wonder? Get ready to document your discoveries and questions. Image: Dr. Lincoln P. Brower
Let's go see the monarchs! Estela Romero bundled up to take you on a photo tour of the world's largest sanctuary. Walk into the oyamel forest with the eyes of a scientist. What will you see? What will you wonder? Get ready to document your discoveries and questions.
Monarch Butterfly Migration Update: February 2, 2012
Welcome to Journey North's 19th season! The monarchs reached Mexico three months ago, after a long fall migration. They'll begin their journey north in only six weeks.
Students in the region have been learning about the special forest they share with the monarchs. Mexico's habitat is ideal for monarch winter survival. What do this week's images reveal? Image: Estela Romero
Winter: We begin when the monarchs are still at the overwintering sites, deep in central Mexico. The monarch's story is one of nature's most incredible examples of adaptation and 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 maps.
Migration news / Live migration maps / Authentic field observations from citizen scientists / Photo of the week / Research Questions / Related lessons and links.
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