• Fall Migration: Report Your Sightings
• News: Where Are the Monarchs?
• The Migration: Maps and Journal
  

• What to Report

"Saw my first and only monarch on August 15th. In previous years our Asclepias plants have been completely defoliated by August. This year they haven't been touched." Mercersburg, PA

"First monarch on August 12th. I have watched monarchs for thirty years and usually see them by the beginning of July. No eggs or larva found." Eastham, MA

Why low numbers?
Last winter in Mexico the population hit a record low. There were only 60 million monarchs, 80% below the 350 million monarch average. Drought and excessive heat during summer 2012 resulted in low reproduction last year. The population does not appear to have recovered during this year's breeding season.

Looking Ahead
As the breeding season ends in the north, we are anxious to see what observers will report this fall:

• How many monarchs will people see?
• How large will the overnight roosts be?
• Will peak sightings match those in past years?
  

Early this winter, after the monarchs have arrived in Mexico, the population will be measured again. The annual measurement will reveal this year's breeding success. Please help tell the story by reporting your observations.