Monarch First Arrivals Picking Up

April 24, 2024 by Nancy Sheehan, Program Coordinator

Monarch watchers in the eastern United States eagerly anticipate the arrival of monarch butterflies, while their counterparts in the western half of the country observe monarchs navigating through a series of weather-related challenges on their journey. Find out more by reading this news update. Keep contributing your monarch and milkweed observations to Journey North, and don't forget to include photos! Some researchers rely on visual documentation to accept your reports. Your images can make a significant difference.

Lilacs blooming drawing in monarchs. Photo Ken in Pittsburg, KS (04/18/2024)

Eastern Monarch Population

Monarchs from overwintering populations are nearing the end and their offspring are beginning to advance into summer breeding territories. With May just a few days away, migratory activity will accelerate over the coming weeks. Be on the lookout and report your monarch observations to Journey North.

Read more>> 2024 Spring Eastern Monarch Report #2:Monarch Firsts!

Western Monarch Population

As Gail Morris writes: "This year monarchs are navigating a series of weather-related roller coasters as they continue their journey to the summer breeding grounds. Warm, sunny days have alternated with waves of intense storms last month followed by cold temperatures and back to balmy weather. Despite the many obstacles, monarchs are continuing to move and slowly stretch their range from the coast and often to finding milkweed up and waiting."

Read more>> 2024 Spring Letter #4: Western Monarch Population News From Gail Morris: Challenges and Triumphs

In Memory of Darlene Burgess

A Collection of Photos by Darlene Burgess

Please Submit Your Observational Reports

If you are observing monarchs and milkweed, please report to Journey North. 

Thank you!