Monarch
Butterfly Migration Update: March 10, 2006 |
They’re
on their way! Monarchs streamed through town by the millions, flying
north from the overwintering sites in Mexico. Reports arrived from
the Mexican states of Queretaro and Guanajuato, too--and even from
central Texas. Spring monarch migration is officially underway!
But
look at this map of winter monarch sightings and read a story about
an amazing discovery in Virginia. Why are so many
monarchs so far north so early
in the spring? This promises to be a fascinating spring spring migration. |
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Today's
Report Includes:
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Here
Come the Monarchs! |
They’re
on their way! The first signs of mass migration were reported this
week from the overwintering sites in Mexico. The excitement filled
the air, just as the monarchs did.
Sunday,
March 5th, was a remarkable day. From noon until 4 pm monarchs streamed
through Angangueo by the millions, flying north, according to a
first-hand report from Carole Jordan who was lucky enough to be
there.
North
of the overwinter region--in the Mexican states of Queretaro and
Guanajuato--migrating monarchs were also spotted.
Even
central Texas reported in this week: "Adult Male sighted about
2 pm Sunday the fifth of March flying south to north following the
Guadulupa River," came the word from Center Point, Texas.
The
monarch migration of spring 2006 is now officially underway!
Photo
courtesy of Dr. Lincoln Brower, Sweet Briar College |
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Field
Notes from Mexico from Dr. Bill Calvert |
"Movement!"
exclaimed Dr. Calvert when he called in this week from the tiny
mountain town of Angangueo. "We
were overwhelmed with movement of butterflies."
Butterflies
filled the town this week. Thirsty butterflies mobbed the flower
patches and water sources below the mountains.
But
if thirst drives this behavior, asks Calvert, why not fly down to
the water, drink, and then return? Why the large rivers of circulating
butterflies that so dazzle us humans? Why is this behavior so prevalent
at this time, late in the season? It may be a simple answer...
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You can read
and hear Dr. Calvert's news and observations.
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This
Season's First Migration Map and Data |
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Use
today's data to make your own map, or print and analyze our map:
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Not
All Monarchs Went to Mexico! |
The
Warm Winter of 2006 |
The
red triangles on the migration map show where people saw monarchs
this winter in January or February. Take a look! Do you see some
surprises? Keep these sightings in mind as you track the migration
this spring. This is the 13th year we have tracked monarch migration,
and never have so many monarchs been so far north so early in the
spring!
- Explore
the collection of this winter's temperature
maps. What statements can you make about weather and monarch
survival in winter, based on these maps?
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A
Monarch Overwintering at Latitude 36N? |
Meet
Monarch #512 |
“Is
this possible?” began the e-mail to Dr. Lincoln Brower from
Mr. and Mrs. Williams in Virginia. “The evidence seems to
indicate that this male monarch probably overwintered in our pine
trees for over five months.”
How
do they know? Read this incredible story about a discovery last
week in Virginia.
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A real survivor!
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If We Assumed all Monarchs Went to Mexico... |
...then maybe we wouldn't look for them! This concern was raised by
Mr. Charles Cameron of the Carolina Butterfly Society.
"I
have wondered for some time how much the discovery of the Mexican
overwintering sites has distorted a complete picture of Monarch
behavior,” he said. Here’s a chance to think about
how important it is in science to keep an open mind:
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Wrap-up:
Challenge Questions #4, #5 and #6
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Send
us your answers! |
If
you haven't yet responded to these Challenge Questions, please do
so now. Next week we'll wrap up for the winter season and start spring
Challenge Questions. |
Challenge
Question #4
Where
do monarchs find water in the winter? |
Challenge
Question #5
How
many butterfly trees do you count? |
Challenge
Question #6
How
many football fields would this year's monarch population cover?
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Ask
the Expert |
Send
us your questions! |
Once
again this year, monarch biologist Dr. Karen Oberhauser has volunteered
to respond to students' questions. We are thrilled to offer this
opportunity to you.
The
deadline is next
Friday, March 17, 2006 |
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The
Next Monarch Migration Update Will Be Posted on March 17, 2006 |