Date: 08/26/2003

Number: 1

Hot & muggy day! Went out to the meadow to gather flowers to press for watercolor prints. The asters are opening their beautiful purple shaggy blooms amidst the Queen Ann's lacy white and the Joe Pye Weeds soft lavendar flowers. I couldn't believe all the monarchs playing! Bright orange, brand new! What frisky butterflies, dive bombing each other as they competed for each new asterin groups of at least 6!
I counted 12 the first few minutes I was out there! Last night there were several even gathering on a branch in the catalpa grove before thunderstorms moved in.
I can't decide if they are beginning to migrate or just local residents.
There has been so many monarchs around my garden this summer, the most I can ever remember. Last year they were so scarce after the freeze in Mexico. It must have affected the Eastern migrators. I'll check tomorrow to see if the cold front encourages them to move on or if they'll be out there enjoying all the luscious flowers!

Marne, MI

Latitude: 43.1 Longitude: -85.8

Observed by:
Contact Observer

The observer's e-mail address will not be disclosed.
Contact will be made through a web-based form.