Date: 10/01/2007

Number: 1

Sunday, Sept 30, 2007. Wind NE then NNE then ENE.

Many (hundreds) of the monarchs that were blown out to sea on strong NW winds on Friday and Saturday were seen returning back to shore this morning. In a fixed position with spotting scope and binoculars, I counted one monarch returning to shore every 2.5 minutes. Later in the day, many monarchs were seen nectaring in the fields of Bidens laevis (large bur-marigold) just behind the primary dune. Their wings were tattered and torn and their abdomens were lean. Between 4-6pm, I walked 4 miles of shoreline at low tide looking for dead monarchs in the sand. I found only one. It's wings were ripped in several places.
Local watermen told me monarchs had been landing to rest on their boats on 9/29 during the afternoon hours.

Monday, Oct 1, Wind ENE then E.

Hundreds of monarchs remain nectaring in the Bidens fields even though the wind is ideal to carry them off this island and back on course down the Delmarva Peninsula or the mainland. Some monarchs were netted for examination and tagging. Only a few had fat abdomens; most were still lean. I expect them to stay to nectar until they have built up some fat reserves.

Courtesy of Monarch Watch

Chincoteague National Wildlife Refu, VA

Latitude: 37.9 Longitude: -75.3

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