Date: 10/16/2006

Number: 1

There was a fair number of monarchs on the peninsula to the Lavaca Bay Causeway at 9:30 this morning, some passing by, some nectaring, some trying to stay out of the wind.

These monarchs were pulling a stunt we don't recall seeing
before, probably saw it, but it didn't register. As those
that were above 50' came along riding the wind, never a wing beat, they would pull a 360 turn. Once we noticed it, we watched and they were doing it about every 100', pull a quick 360 turn and continue on without a wing beat. Even those up at 300' thru the binocs were doing this quick turn.
We never noticed it of any that were at a lower altitude, but they weren't going across the ground as fast either.
Were they using this manuver to adjust something in their flight, slow down and mantain control of their rapid speed with the 20 mph wind, a type of orientation, or what? It was so obvious what they were doing and we noticed it about the same time, we started wondering what it was they were actually doing. They weren't being blown out of control, they seemed to "know" what they wanted to do and when, it all appeared to be in their control. Anyone have an idea?

Courtesy of Monarch Watch

Port Lavaca, TX

Latitude: 28.5 Longitude: -96.7

Observed by:
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