Date: 10/26/2003

Number: 1

Oct 26, 2003, Total of 480 on bridge, driving at a speed of 55 mph. On to Sunset Point where there was plenty more action:

1:19 p.m. arrived at Sunset Point, Mandeville, La after crossing the Lake Pontchartrain Causeway Bridge from Metairie, La.

When we arrived at the point, the count of overhead migrational flying of Monarchs was thick, and they were flying between 60 and 20 feet. At the beginning of my count taking 5 minutes, I was counting 20 to 30 in a line across the point, directly overhead, and the these lines were 2 to 3 feet apart. My heart nearly jumped out of my chest at the sight of so many flying rapidly against the northwest wind as they flew in a southwesterly direction. Based on 5 minutes of time and 20 to 30 per 5 seconds, (average 25) would indicate 1500+- Monarchs flew across my line of view. (I don't know how to count that many, so if Chip has a system, I would like to know how to use it.)

Tagged 92 Monarchs, lots of photos of people joining the fun

Mandeville, LA

Latitude: 30.4 Longitude: -90

Observed by:
Contact Observer

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