Date: 09/04/2005

Number: 1

We are getting a steady stream of migrants coming through today, September 4. I was just out taking flight directions between 3 and 5 p.m. this afternoon. There was a leaf-rustling, small-branch-moving southeast wind this afternoon, and quite a few monarchs were being forced westward if they got more than 6 to 8 feet above the ground. But the ones that stayed low were making their way south-southwest to southwest. I recorded precise flight directions of 28 monarchs in two hours, and there were others that were too far away for me to reach.

There have also been large numbers aggregating in the oak savanna in McFarland Park, a county park about 6 miles north-northeast of Ames during the last few evenings.

So folks, keep smiling - they're on their way!

Contributed to Monarch Watch

Ames, IA

Latitude: 42.1 Longitude: -93.6

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