Date: 08/11/2007

Number: 1

Our area is bordering on severe drought conditions, so my gardens are probably a better source for nectar than wildflowers. I see 10 to 20 Monarchs every day and have noticed them gathering in groups in favorite trees like the old poplar above the gully. This is the first year I've noticed this behavior and I've had other people mention seeing Monarchs gathering in their trees, too. This activity has been happening around here for two weeks already. Early migration or just group mentality?

This has been a beautiful butterfly summer around here! Each day, regular Monarchs visit my flower gardens seeming to favor the various species of Flowering Tobacco that have spread via self seeding. One in particular is always busy flitting around till sunset. Out in the meadow, the purple flowers of the Brown Knapweed seem to be their favorite nectaring spot close to sunset. This plant seems to be blooming very early and many of the flowers, 50% of the blooms are already turning brown today.

Marne, MI

Latitude: 43.1 Longitude: -85.8

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