Date: 04/22/2008

Number: 1

I can't believe I'm writing this, but my husband just called and saw a monarch outside his office window. He's been tagging with me for over 10 years, so I know he knows what a monarch looks like. It could have been released by someone? Our first sightings are usually in mid-to-late May. Unusual and exciting for Earth Day. We did have a very strong south wind last week that blew tons of smoke from a fire in Kansas into our area. I suppose it is possible butterflies could have been helped along by the strong wind?

Husband Tim Ryan added, "My office has a window and looking out I saw a Monarch which I thought was very strange. I watched it move around outside for about a minute before it moved off. It was probably fifteen feet outside my window but looked in good shape. I did not see anything torn or damaged on it's wings. I'll keep my eyes out for another. I never really feel like I've seen the first one of the season until I've seen two!"

Sioux Falls, SD

Latitude: 43.5 Longitude: -96.7

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