"Saw two females laying eggs on side-cluster milkweed, Asclepias oenotheroides. First of season." April 1, 2015 Ft. Worth, Texas

"Saw at least four within 25 minutes, one at a time in separate locations, all on our property." April 1, 2015 Chalk Mountain, Texas

Late Arrival
This spring's return is the latest we've recorded. The first monarchs typically cross the Rio Grande by March 15. This year's arrival at the end of March makes the migration at least 2 weeks late.

"In the past 10 years, only once has my first sighting been later than this year's. We had a long cold winter with multiple March fronts making it far south into Mexico. A number of bird species were late in arrival here this spring to match." March 30, 2015 Utopia, Texas

Outlook for Recovery
Although the breeding season is off to a late start, Dr. Chip Taylor remains guardedly optimistic.

"I'm predicting right now that if the monarchs arrive in good numbers before the 15th of April — and this is a big if — then things are looking good for the population to increase this year. The long-term forecast shows temperatures in May look favorable and temperatures this summer will be normal or above normal for many of the production areas."

Special thanks to Dr. Karen Oberhauser for sharing her knowledge and expertise with Journey North participants.

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