Monarch Butterfly Update: March 17, 2011 | ||||||||||
Here they come! The mass migration from Mexico is underway, and monarchs are appearing on the breeding grounds to the north. Three cheers for the monarchs that survived the long winter in Mexico! During spring migration, each female monarch leaves a trail of eggs behind her as she travels. As you track monarch migration this spring, think of the hope embodied in tiny eggs. This Week's Update Includes:
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Image of the Week | |||||||||
Leaving Mexico's Winter Sanctuaries | ||||||||||
"The massive migration has indeed started!" came the word from Mexico on Monday. Butterflies were everywhere as Estela Romero drove to the sanctuary—drinking, mating, flying, and ascending into the sky, apparently leaving their winter home. "All along the main road, at every moment, it felt like little Rocinante and I would crash into butterflies as we drove along the way. Everywhere I turned my head, I could see monarchs! So do not despair. Monarchs are on the move and soon they will be there with you, birthing a new generation."
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Sightings on the Breeding Grounds | ||||||||||
"Saw our first faded monarch at 1:05 today!" wrote Mr. Aschen from the Texas Gulf coast on Sunday. This was the sign he had been waiting for. He had seen fresh-winged monarchs earlier this month, but Sunday's faded monarch was a first, and probably came from Mexico. People have reported 65 monarchs since March 1st. These early March sightings raise a key question: Where Did the Monarchs Come From?
Wings Tell a Tale |
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Slideshow: A New Generation: The Cycle of Life Continues | ||||||||||
The Migration: Maps and Journal Page | ||||||||||
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The next Monarch Migration Update will be posted on March 24, 2011. | ||||||||||
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