| Consider
the Observer's Comments |
April
19, 2005 Stockton, Illinois (42 N)
"First monarch seen today, fluttering in my garden, looking
for the milkweed, I suppose, but it's not up yet. I totally understand
anyone questioning my report. I'm 100% positive it was a monarch.
(If it helps any, I'm a Master Gardener and have many Monarchs in
my extensive gardens.) I stood there with my mouth hanging open
when I saw it. I watched as it flittered around looking for a place
for eggs I suppose. My milkweed isn't even up yet. It has been unusually
warm for April with many days in the 70's. I worried where it would
lay its eggs and if there was any chance for them to grow. And now
we are getting cold weather. I was going to keep my eyes open for
it in the garden and hope to rescue it from the cold. If you have
any questions feel free to send me a note. If I get a chance I'll
snap a picture of it too."
Journal
Questions:
- Which
comments lead you to believe that this is an accuate sighting?
(Highlight in yellow, and explain why.)
- What
information makes you question this report? (Underline and explain
why.)
|
| Consider
This Year's Migration |
 |
View
this season's interactive map and watch the slide show: |
 |
| |
|
View
this season's interactive map and watch the slide show:
- How
many miles away has the nearest monarch been seen this spring?
- At
what latitude is this season's nearest sighting?
- Do
you see anything when viewing the maps that makes you question
the sighting?
-
What do you see that supports the
|
| Consider
Evidence from Past Years' Migrations |
| Have
monarchs ever been spotted so far north this early in the year?
Dig through Journey North’s historic maps and data and see
what you can find. For example, a 3rd grader in Iowa reported a
very early butterfly from her state one year sent this photo for
proof! Can
you find the date and latitude of her sighting?
|
 |
| A
3rd grade student sent this proof of an early monarch in Iowa! |
Digging
Into Data
- Does
Journey North's historic data support the idea of a monarch at
42 N on April 19th? Why or why not?
- Interested
students can use the data
archives to calculate average arrival dates of "first
monarchs" at latitude 42 N and/or in Illinois.
|
| So,
What Do YOU Think? |
- Should
the Illinois sighting be included on this spring's migration map?
Explain your conclusion.
- What
evidence was most important in making your decision?
|
