Eastern Monarch Fall 2021 Report #6

Published: 10/20/2021

Note: Observations highlighted in this report are from October 8–15. To explore more recent observations, check out “The Leading Edge” section of the news update and explore our maps.

Texas Still a Hotspot

Texas remained a hotspot of migratory activity. Fall roosts and peak migration events were widely reported, and eggs and larvae were still being found as well. There were very few reports from Mexico, likely due to the effects of Hurricane Pamela which made landfall about 40 miles northwest of Mazatlán on October 13.

Cathy in Rocksprings, TX: “Found roosts of 150-209 in several mixed woods canyons at Dobbs Run Ranch.” (10/12/2021)

Brian in La Porte, TX: “Lots of eggs being laid recently. With fewer predators this time of year, maybe these little guys will survive.” (10/14/2021)

Bill in Austin, TX: “Winds shifted and with the northwind comes the monarchs. 15 monarchs in 15 minutes. Not a lot but this was our first bulk sighting of them streaming by. Waystation 36822.” (10/15/2021)

Still Activity Farther North

Late-season monarchs were reported in southern Ontario, the Upper Midwest, and the Northeast. Temperatures have been mild across these regions, but conditions can change quickly. Use this live Windy.com map to predict good weather and flying conditions for monarchs in your area. 

Carl in Acushnet, MA: “It’s about 75 degrees and where I live I see Monarch until real cool weather sets in. It seems there are late breeders that show up around these parts and being near the coast keeps temps stable. But the are big and very healthy which means they are doing A-OK.” (10/13/2021)

Beth in Madison, WI: “I was surprised to see so many Monarchs, since I haven’t seen many around town for a couple of weeks. Olbrich Botanical Gardens is a good place to see late-season butterflies.” (10/14/2021)

Joyce in Hamilton, ON: “Nectaring on my Butterfly Bush. There has been one or two every day this week. I hope they make it to Mexico.” (10/14/2021)

Gaining Momentum Along Eastern Flyway

While the Eastern Flyway often lags behind the Central Flyway in timing of migration, activity continued to pick up in the Southeast. Check out our monarch migration maps to explore trends and see how this year’s migration out East compares to previous years. 

Pamela in Asheville, NC: “Lots of monarchs on my butterfly bushes this past week.” (10/11/2021)

Tammy in Ohatchee, AL: “The number [50 monarchs] is much higher I’m sure. I really don’t know how many. We have seen them flying the southwest direction over our property all afternoon, 1-3 at a time, then after a few seconds, another 1-3 fly over.” (10/13/2021)

Robert in Charleston, SC: “First larvae I’ve seen in several weeks!” (10/14/2021)

Andrea in Decatur, AL: “Wow! Every time I went outside today, I saw numerous Monarchs on my flowers. They were definitely fueling up for their long flight to Mexico.” (10/14/2021)