Early Spring Migration Patterns Emerge Across North America
There is so much to report in this edition. The Eastern population of monarchs is making their way as far north as Virginia and Oklahoma. Also, HMANA & Journey North collaborate to share 7,095 monarch count reports collected by HMANA volunteers at 24 hawk count sites. The Western population of monarchs is on the move in Southern California, with recent sightings reported in Oxnard, Pasadena, Los Angeles, and Glendora. Additionally, an intriguing late-tagged monarch (#CM004) was rescued from a pool in San Diego. Tagged by Denise in Cornville, Arizona, in late fall, CM004's tattered condition suggests it might be a remigrant. Report to Journey North and don't forget to upload a photo!
Eastern Monarch Population
Chip Taylor, Founding Director of Monarch Watch, University of Kansas, recently noted “The monarchs are earlier this year than in 2013.” (email, 03/27/2024) Indeed many keen Journey North observers are also remarking on the early arrival of monarchs to their areas. The leading edge of monarch migration is creeping northward! Sightings have popped up in North Carolina and Virginia. It’s early days, and as we welcome spring, winter storms are still making their way across the U.S. and Canada. The next few weeks will be a busy time for monarch observers. Get ready!
Read more>> Spring Migration Is Picking Up. (2024 Spring Eastern Monarch Report #1)
Fall Back
Even though we are in the midst of spring migration, we have exciting news regarding the collection of monarch fall migration data.
Hawkwatchers across the Americas don’t just monitor raptor migrations; they’re also keeping a keen eye on the Monarch butterflies. With the HawkCount.org database managed by HMANA, these dedicated volunteers track the movement of various species, including the iconic Monarchs. Since 2019, HMANA’s Monarch Migration Program has collected valuable data on Monarch abundance and migration routes. Now, this information is being shared with Journey North, offering insights into the Monarchs’ migration patterns and potential impacts of factors like weather and climate change. It’s a unique collaboration that’s enhancing our understanding and conservation efforts for these amazing migrants. Thank you to volunteers at 34 hawk watch sites who contributed 7,095 monarch count reports now imported to the Journey North database and viewable to the Journey North community.
Read more>> Hawkwatchers Monitor Monarch Migration. By Julie Brown, raptor migration and programs director, HMANA
Western Monarch Population
Gail Morris writes that monarchs are on the move in Southern California, with recent sightings reported in Oxnard, Pasadena, Los Angeles, and Glendora. These early spring sightings include a female monarch laying eggs on a newly purchased potted milkweed in Orange and two small monarch larvae munching on tender milkweed leaves in Mountain View. Additionally, an intriguing late-tagged monarch, named CM004, was rescued from a pool in San Diego. Tagged by Denise in Cornville, Arizona, in late fall, CM004’s tattered condition suggests it might be a remigrant. This discovery raises questions about where the monarch spent the winter, whether locally in San Diego or migrating back from the Baja coast in Mexico. The Southwest Monarch Study, which tagged CM004, appreciates Denise for her tagging efforts and Jackie for reporting this fascinating late recovery.
Please Submit Your Observational Reports
If you are observing monarchs and milkweed, please report to Journey North.
