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How likely is it that a monarch would be in South Dakota
in April? What would help you decide if the sighting was accurate?
Do
some detective work. Consider the observer's comments, the weather,
and what you can learn about migration from past years.
- Organize
your evidence and make a case for your decision on this handout.
>>
|
Handout >>
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| Consider
the Observer's Comments |
April
22, 2008
Sioux Falls, South Dakota (42 N)
"I can't believe I'm writing this, but my husband just
called and saw a monarch outside his office window,"
wrote Thea Ryan, naturalist at the Outdoor Center in Sioux
Falls, SD. "He's been tagging with me for over 10 years,
so I know he knows what a monarch looks like. Could it have
been released by someone? Our first sightings are usually
in mid-to-late May. How unusual and exciting for Earth Day!
We did have a very strong south wind last week that blew tons
of smoke from a fire in Kansas into our area. I suppose it
is possible butterflies could have been helped along by the
strong wind?" |
 |
| Husband
Tim Ryan added, "My office has a window and looking out
I saw a Monarch which I thought was very strange. I watched
it move around outside for about a minute before it moved
off. It was probably fifteen feet outside my window but looked
in good shape. I did not see anything torn or damaged on its
wings. I'll keep my eyes out for another. I never really feel
like I've seen the first one of the season until I've seen
two!" |
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| Consider
the Weather |
|
Could
weather like this carry a monarch to South Dakota? |
 |
 |
| Strong
south winds |
Warm
air mass as far north as Canada |
These
maps show conditions on Sunday, April 20th. There were several
days with weather like this before the April 22nd sighting
in South Dakota. Notice how the strong south winds carried
warm air northward across the Great Plains and across the
Canadian border. Did a monarch ride north during such conditions?
|
|
| Consider
This Year's Migration |
Watch
the animation. Do you think this sighting is possible
based on other migration patterns? >>
- Have
monarch sightings 'jumped ahead' like this one in other places?
- How
many miles away has the nearest monarch been seen this spring?
- Do
you see anything when viewing the maps that makes you question
or believe the sighting?
|
The
about distance and direction >> |
| 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! |
