'Earliest we've ever seen them:' Journey North observers reporting early caterpillars
In this update, we get a western update from Gail Morris emerging butterflies in the East and a report from a researcher who is using Journey North data.
Monarchs continue to progress throughout North America – both in their life cycle and migration journey – creating joy for wildlife watchers along the way. In many locations, volunteers are reporting early progress.
Eastern monarch population
Journey North participants have been reporting monarchs at various stages of the life cycle, from eggs being laid to old, faded adults nearing the end of the line.
Western monarch population
Gail Morris has an update from the West, where we've got our first report of the year from Idaho, as well as a few more reports from Utah.
Gail writes, "As June begins Monarchs are expanding their range with first sightings reported in Oregon, Idaho and across Utah. Monarchs will now begin to lose their urge to migrate as we near the summer solstice. They’ll become more stationary with increased activity in breeding grounds."
One way your reports are making a difference
Charlotte Hovland, a master's student at the University of Georgia, is using Journey North reports to study changes in monarch migratory behavior in the Southeast, including residency and coastal overwintering.
Hovland wrote a quick report detailing some of the information being used in her research. Take a look!
