Crossing into Mexico

The migration swept into northern Mexico in a flurry last Thursday, October 20, and Jerónimo Chávez of Correo Real announced the butterflies’ arrival:

“Here they come! At last the first reports from the north of Coahuila. They entered Mexico with the help of the cold front. Welcome monarchs!”

“!Ya están entrando! Por fin el primer reporte del norte de Coahuila. Las mariposas Monarca entraron a México con la ayuda del frente frío. ¡Bienvenidas las Monarcas!”

First to the Finish Line

Also this week came the news we’ve all been waiting for — the very first butterflies were spotted at the Sierra Chincua Sanctuary on October 23rd. Dr. David Mota-Sanchez of Michigan State made the announcement.

“Today at 1:00 pm my friend and colleague Javier Castaneda saw four butterflies at the Villalobos lookout. They were headed toward the trees in the sanctuary. In addition, at 3:00 pm he observed five monarchs more on the lookout Zacatonal flying high above the fir trees, and flying also very isolated from each other. It’s a very clear sign the first are already arriving!”

“El dia de hoy a las 1:00 pm mi amigo y colega Javier Castaneda vio cuatro mariposas en el mirador de Villalobos. Las mariposas se dirigian del llano hacia los arboles rumbo al santuario. Adicionalmente, a las 3:00 pm el observo 5 monarcas mas en el mirador Zacatonal volando muy por encima de los oyameles, y volando tambien muy aisladas unas de otras. Muy buena senal que ya estan llegando las primeras!”