Date: 10/07/2006

Number: 1

10/7/06, 4-5:30 PM, Ft Griffin State Park, on nature trails by the river. Approximate temp: 80-85 degrees. Wind approx 2-10 mph, but no wind on trails where sighting occurred (drops down about 15-30 feet below the level of the park). Slightly overcast.

Approximate count: 2 to 3 thousand Monarchs (conservative estimate), roosting in trees within 50 feet from the shore. Seemed to have an affinity for American Elm and Hackberry trees, on lower branches, about 50% roosted on trees less than 10 feet tall. Other types of trees with only a singleton or two roosting included cedar elm and pecan.

I believe I saw one tagged Monarch, but cannot be sure as I didn’t have a net. I lost sight of her/him in the flurry of a few hundred that took flight as I slowly walked down the trail. Looking back as we passed, all resumed a new roosting spot within a couple of minutes. I witnessed this roosting behavior at this site about 10 years ago, but there were many more the last time.

Ft Griffin State Park, TX

Latitude: 32.9 Longitude: -99.2

Observed by:
Contact Observer

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