Date: 05/14/2008

Number: 1

At 1:00 this date while taking photos of migrating warblers, while focused on a plum tree in full flower, a monarch lazily dropped onto the blossoms of the tree and began nectaring. As this is the earliest we have ever sighted a Monarch, we were surprised but able to take a digital photo of the beautiful creature. Although it will have enough nectar from plum, apple, lilac and other blossoms for the next two weeks, our concern is that the milkweed upon which the Monarch will lay its eggs, is not expected to emerge for perhaps three weeks. We were also amazed at the excellent condition of the butterfly, in that usually when they reach Minnesota, they are ragged and worn. At any rate, a welcome sight!!!

LeSueur, MN

Latitude: 44.5 Longitude: -93.8

Observed by: Barbara and Arthur
Contact Observer

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