Eastern Monarch Spring 2023 Report #10

Published: 06/14/2023

Migrating Monarchs

Monarchs continue to approach the northern limits of their breeding range in Canada. The leading edge is hovering again this week as far north as Saskatoon, Saskatchewan (latitude 52°N).

Brenda in Rosthern, SK: “… I had spotted what I thought was a monarch on the 6th of June but wanted to photograph it to make sure it was a confirmed sighting. To my surprise I saw two mating on one of our spruce trees on the 8th. I was very excited to witness this as well as to get a photograph to confirm the species. We do have a small amount of dwarf milkweed that is grown wild in our area but I am trying to cultivate a patch in my garden as well.” (06/08/2023)

Amanda in Regina, SK: “located at the RSM in the prairie garden, living life amongst the showy milkweed” (06/10/2023)

Russell in Saskatoon, SK: “Seen in natural area called ‘Northeast Swale’ in Saskatoon. Nectaring on wildflowers.” (06/13/2023)

Eggs, Larvae, and Milkweed

The summer solstice is one week away. As migration winds down and more monarchs settle in to breeding grounds, reports of eggs, larvae, and milkweed are rising in the Upper Midwest, Southern Ontario, and New England.

Angeline in Sault Ste. Marie, ON: “First egg sightings of the year… Saw 3 eggs but did not check plants thoroughly.” (06/08/2023)

Julie in Boulder Junction, WI: “Our milkweed is well up and I haven’t seen eggs, but today I saw holes and found at least 5 2nd instars. We haven’t seen as many butterflies as usual yet and in the past eggs were found on much younger milkweed.” (06/10/2023)

Nadine in Hubbard Lake, MI: “After not seeing one Monarch yet I took a walk to my favorite spot that has a lot of milkweed and I was overjoyed to find 6 baby cats.” (06/13/2023)

Keep Reporting and Include Photos!

Thank you for another spring season of sharing your observations with the Journey North community. Over the summer, please continue to report observations of monarch adults, monarch larvae, monarch eggs, and milkweed to Journey North.

If possible, please include photos (one photo per report). Photos help verify reports, and we enjoy sharing them with our Journey North community.