Date: 09/23/2006

Number: 1

On this Saturday, the monarch migration continued over central Iowa at Neal Smith National Wildlife Refuge and in the city of Des Moines. At Neal Smith, 150 monarchs were counted in 2 1/2 hours, and family members observed at least 50 more in Des Moines. Monarchs also were seen in our butterfly garden and flying across the highways in the area. Based on my observational records of monarch movements over the years, by the date of September 23, the migration has been virtually completed in the area in four of the five most recent years. It now seems clear this year's migration was slowed by the cold weather and continued rainfall. On Saturday morning, the monarchs came flying into the refuge from the north one at a time, then sought out nectaring areas. The native purple asters were a definite favorite. To the south near the refuge's savanna trail, other monarchs were lingering there in the warmth of a protected area.

Prairie City, IA

Latitude: 41.6 Longitude: -93.3

Observed by: Robert
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