Some western sightings provide ‘beacon of hope’

Despite the small number of overwintering monarchs along the California coast this winter, there is a sigh of relief as monarchs are appearing in many western states. Hope is in the air as monarchs reach their summer breeding grounds for ideal weather conditions so their numbers will increase exponentially over the next several months.

Reports from the Field

Dr. David James, Washington State University

Apart from two very early sightings in Oregon (April 8, Silverton, May 5, Eugene), it was very quiet in Oregon until this past holiday weekend when three monarchs were spotted at Medford, Ontario, and Burns. I also conducted my annual survey of migrating monarchs along the Trinity River in northern California and found no adults, but did find 2 monarch eggs after examining 711 milkweed stems. Last year, I found 27 eggs and one adult. So, it is clear that there is a weak northward migration currently happening in Northern California, into Oregon, and hopefully soon into Washington and Idaho. Numbers of migrants will likely be small. However, successful egg-laying and development under typical PNW summer conditions could allow for a rapid population buildup.

As for monarchs, well, we are seeing a glimmer of hope. We have had 9 sightings in Oregon and Washington during April-May compared to 3 during the same period in 2023 and 2024. In both those years, good summer populations eventuated. So, are we on the verge of another amazing rebound like in 2021? I guess we will find out soon enough!

It does seem that the normal northward movement of monarchs from Arizona to Utah and Idaho is not occurring to a great extent this year, with just one sighting in Utah on iNaturalist. We have had no monarchs in Idaho, yet, which is unusual.

From Journey North users

Journey North has received a few sightings reported from Utah, but none from Idaho yet.

In American Fork, Utah, Anette reported four monarchs on June 10, writing, "Our favorite monarch spot did not disappoint. Healthy habitat, lots of showy milkweed blooming, Queen Anne’s Lace, wild roses, and water."

On June 6, in Ogden, north of Salt Lake City, Martina reported that "milkweed is in full bloom," while reporting a nectaring monarch. 

In Colorado, we’ve received five reports of monarch adults since May 27, along with two egg reports. 

In Elizabeth, Colorado on June 7, Pamela reported a female and five eggs on “hail-damaged A. speciosa milkweed,” writing that it was laying eggs the day after over an inch of rain fell.

On June 10, Kelleigh in Broomfield reported a female nectaring on red valerian among the milkweed plants.

Diana Magor, Santa Cruz, California

Today (June 7) I found two monarch eggs and four larvae on Ascelpias fruticosa (Swan Plant) and A. curassavica (Tropical Milkweed) in my garden. I have been seeing monarchs almost daily, depending on weather (it’s been cloudy most mornings for about a week, but partial clearing in the afternoons, with temperatures in the high 60s to low 70s. It appears that there have been at least three ovipositing sessions in the last eight or so days, with two or three 2nd instars and one or two 3rds.

We counted five monarchs on the North American Butterfly Count for Santa Cruz County last weekend, at least two of which were in Westside Santa Cruz gardens.

Kristy Brauch, UCCE Pollinator Team Lead, Pasadena, California

In Los Angeles County: Native milkweeds broke dormancy early this spring, with an inspiring emergence in the Eaton Fire burn scar—where a resident spotted Narrowleaf Milkweed pushing through rubble on March 1. By late May, female monarchs were laying eggs, and first instars were abundant across our monitored sites. Our Southwest Monarch Study team tagged the season’s first monarchs in mid-May, and adult monarchs are now seen daily. The team is tracking various life cycles as part of the Monarch Larva Monitoring Project, with summer breeding beginning 3–4 weeks earlier than in the previous two years. After historically low overwintering numbers, this early activity offers a beacon of hope. On June 8, a monarch drifting over the charred Altadena landscape reminded us of the butterfly’s incredible resilience—and the shared recovery ahead of so many affected by the devastating fires.”

Wanted: Monarch and Milkweed Sightings

Seeing monarchs? Your sightings help us present a balanced and accurate report of where monarchs are appearing each week. Report adult monarchs, eggs, and larvae to Journey North. Your detailed description of what you see can include, but is not limited to, the monarch’s gender and activity. If known, include the type of flowers if they are nectaring or milkweed type if laying eggs. Photos are encouraged and welcomed with all your reports.

Gail Morris is the coordinator of the Southwest Monarch Study (www.swmonarchs.org). She is also a Monarch Watch conservation specialist, the vice president of the Central Arizona Butterfly Association, and participates in several Western monarch working groups. The Western Monarch News is based on comments provided to Gail Morris. We hope to increase the number of sightings and therefore photos and comments entered into Journey North. We rely on the volunteers who communicate regularly with Gail and who agree to participate in our effort to increase awareness of the population of western monarchs. You can reach her at gail@swmonarchs.org