December Approaches: A Few Stragglers Hurry Along

Along the Monarch Migration Highway

In November, Journey North observers noted the ongoing southward migration of monarchs along the central and eastern flyways. While some stragglers, reaching as far north as Michigan, still have a considerable distance to cover, monarchs in Tennessee have a shorter journey before reaching Mexico. However, concerns arise as cold temperatures are anticipated across the Eastern U.S. this weekend.

Lori in Fraser, MI: ”Found in my native garden this evening.” (11/15/2023)

Heather in Friendsville, TN: “Freshly emerged and foraging.” (11/16/2023)

As we near December, observers express hope that these monarchs will complete their journey south before the first frosts arrive in the north.

Pam in Guntersville, AL: “Lone male fueling up for what I hope will be a successful trip to Mexico. It’s a little late for North Alabama but it’s been so warm and especially dry for the last 6 weeks. It’s been in the 80’s for the last several days.” (11/09/2023)

Alison in Sullivan’s Island, SC: “Standing in Fort Moultrie park, facing Fort Sumter, I counted about 20 in this 1 minute video [for a total of 100 during observation] I know you can’t see any in this screenshot, but they were all heading southwest, following the beach.” (11/04/2023)

Kristi in Prosperity, SC: “Two monarchs!” (11/16/2023)

As they made their way south, monarchs followed the Gulf coastline along the Florida panhandle. 

Gayle in Carrabelle, FL: “Observed 100 Monarchs migrating along the road and water’s edge.” (11/12/2023)

Texas Still Seeing Monarch Action

Observers in Texas have reported monarchs actively nectaring with a few monarchs still forming roosts. 

Kathi in Matagorda, TX: ”Dozens [approximately 125] of monarchs are migrating through our Matagorda Bay wetlands area today, along with a flurry of dragonflies as well! We hope to [photograph] them in roost mode this evening — a much anticipated annual event for our Canary Island Date palm trees.” (11/15/2023)

Kathy in Matagorda, TX: “Less monarchs in flight today in Matagorda East Bay wetlands area. Several spotted in the higher skies letting the sea breezes carry them along. Cooler temps and overcast. Only 10 or 12 sightings but I was able to photograph this solo “rooster” tonight at sundown around 5:28 p.m.” (11/16/2023)

Donna in Francitas, TX: After cold rainy weather, Donna reported four monarchs on 11/14  nectaring mostly on mistflower. A few days later, Donna observed monarchs flying and resting on a persimmon tree. (11/16/2023)

DeeDee in Austin, TX: “This is the third day in a row that [10] monarchs have been in my yard.” (11/15/2023)

Lee in Granbury, TX: Freshly emerged and foraging. 11/16/2023

Puerto Rico Monarchs

Journey North observers in Puerto Rice report monarchs nectaring, breeding and laying eggs.  

Lisa in Palmarejo, PR: “Female taking nectar and leaving eggs and one newly eclosed drying at its pupa.” (11/16/2023)

Lisa in Palmarejo, PR: “Female laying eggs!” (11/15/2023)

Winter Reporting: Monitor Overwintering Monarchs in Southeastern U.S.

Journey North encourages volunteers to report winter monarch sightings in the Southeastern U.S. from December through March. If you live in the Gulf states of Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, and Florida as well as Georgia, South Carolina, and North Carolina, we want to hear from you. See Instructional Flyer