Welcoming More Arrivals

Estela Romero and Ellen Sharp provide updates from monarch sanctuaries in Mexico. In the US, some monarchs remain en route, and Gail Morris reports on more arrivals at overwintering sites along coastal California.

Monarchs fill the sky in Mexico. — Sky filled with restless monarchs at Cerro Pelon Monarch Butterfly Sanctuary, Mexico. Photo: Pato Moreno

Eastern Monarch Population

Letter From Estela Romero: Sierra Chincua and El Rosario Monarch Sanctuaries to Open

After last week’s report on preparations for opening Sierra Chincua and El Rosario sanctuaries to the public, Estela Romero provides more behind-the-scenes updates and shares an official opening date of November 28th. She writes, “Rigorous risk assessments were submitted to the Ejido committees and appropriate Ministries of Health and Tourism as well as Federal and State nature conservation representatives. After review, the decision was made to move forward with the opening. Sierra Chincua and El Rosario will open on November 28th.”

Letter From Ellen Sharp: First Virtual Tour at Cerro Pelon Monarch Sanctuary

South of Sierra Chincua and El Rosario at Cerro Pelon Sanctuary, Ellen Sharp details the first virtual monarch tour of the season and provides a message of hope during unique and difficult circumstances. She writes, “Our sanctuary is closed to visitors this season, and so we decide to film our first virtual tour, given by my sister-in-law Ana, who’s an experienced butterfly guide … In this season without visitors, we have been given the gift of time, the time to create things that can potentially reach more people.”

On Their Way

North of the sanctuaries in Mexico and along the eastern flyway in the US, Journey North citizen scientists are still reporting monarchs.

Brenda Lizbeth Sanchez Castro in Monterrey, NLE: “I saw hundreds.” (11/10/2020)

Peter in Isle Of Palms, SC: “Many adult monarchs at our butterfly garden this week - and several monarch caterpillars on our milkweed. We’ve counted over 10 adults and over 20 caterpillars this week.” (11/11/2020)

Heather in Kingsland, GA: “2:08 pm, 2 adult monarchs eating from my bottlebrush tree.” (11/13/2020)

Sondra in Horseshoe Bay, TX: “Two males seen about 3 hrs apart nectaring on Trailing lantana. Each stayed for over 15 minutes. Were in good condition. After not seeing any following peak migration, one per day seen over last week.” (11/14/2020)

Western Monarch Population

Western Monarch Report From Gail Morris: Monarchs Arriving!

In her final report for the fall migration season, Gail Morris reports on monarchs arriving at overwintering sites in California and traveling through Arizona on their way to Mexico. She writes, “Monarchs are slowly appearing at the coastal California overwintering sites and the nearby region as well as throughout the Arizona deserts this week. Weather conditions across their range vary widely by location. Some places are experiencing record high temperatures while others have chilly winter weather settling in.”

One More Week Left

Weekly Monarch News Updates conclude next week on November 25. However, periodic updates from Estela Romero, Ellen Sharp and Gail Morris during the months of December, January and February will continue. Keep reading and reporting!