Journey North Monarch Butterfly Spring 2003

The Journey Home
Last Notes of Dr. Calvert’s Mexico Travels

Basically adults were not seen flying during the day. We assumed that they were way up high. We found them in the evening about 5:30 - 6:30 PM along rows of trees, or during the day in cool riparian areas. This is often what we see along the southward migration - nothing during the day and then a fallout in the afternoon or evening. But sometimes on the southward migration we would see enormous numbers flying low during the day.

We encountered adult monarchs at the following places:

Tamasopo Water Falls between Rio Verde and Cd. Valles
Micos Water Falls near Cd. Valles
the Rio Naranjo River valley near the town of El Naranjo
the Naciamiento of the Rio Sabinas near Gomez Farias
We encountered (mainly Jim; I took a nap) 30 plus some adults at the Rio Corona - a crystal clear stream that runs into the Gulf about 15 km northeast of Cd. Victoria.

We found eggs and one or two larva at most of the sites - but nothing spectacular. Nothing that would lead one to believe that gravid and eager females were loading plants with eggs as fast as they could. The milkweed densities were never what I have encountered in fields in Texas or further north.

Plenty of nectar seemed to be available. Flowering trees included acacia, huisache and chinaberry. Acacias were especially plentiful in the Texas brush country - south of San Antonio to Matamorous. In some riparian areas the purple Eupatorium was in full flower.

I have put my film in to be developed and had an extra set made for you.

Its spring!

How to Respond to Today's Challenge Question:

1. Address an e-mail message to: jn-challenge-monarch@learner.org
2. In the Subject Line of your message write: Challenge Question #8
3. In the body of your message, answer the question above.

How to Respond to Today's Challenge Questions:

IMPORTANT: Answer only ONE question in each e-mail message.

1. Address an e-mail message to: jn-challenge-monarch@learner.org
2. In the Subject Line of your message write: Challenge Question # 5 (or #6)
3. In the body of EACH message, give your answer to ONE of the questions above.

The Next Monarch Butterfly Migration Update Will Be Posted on February 28, 2003