Date: 09/26/2004
Number: 1
A weekend visit to Ontario's Long Point Provincial Park included many
observations of Monarchs heading along the 40 km sand spit which runs
east into Lake Erie. Over the 2 days we observed many at the
"Monarch's Rest" Campground searching for nectar sources (asters in
full bloom and goldenrod past prime). Most headed along the spit (i.e.
eastward) as they had to battle strong west winds off the lake.
This
morning, the lake and the winds were calmer and we observed a steady
flow along the beach with a few attempting to make the risky crossing
of lake Erie (I estimate 30km of open water from Long Point to the
American side).
It was encouraging to see so many after a summer of so few and limited
signs of migration back in Oakville, on the NW shore of Lake Ontario,
where we live. We have had, however, sunny, warm and clear skies for
the last 2 weeks (mid 20's C) with another fine weather week to come. I
hope that the good weather has allowed many eggs/larvae/pupae to
successfully mature.
Contributed to Monarch Watch
Oakville, ON
Latitude: 43.3 Longitude: -79.4
Observed by:
Contact Observer
The observer's e-mail address will not be disclosed.
Contact will be made through a web-based form.