Date: 09/18/2008

Number: 1

Today was an amazing time for observing migrating monarch butterflies at Neal Smith National Wildlife Refuge. As we entered the refuge, we noted monarchs moving in from the north and stopping to nectar on sawtooth sunflowers. We counted 125 monarchs in 15 minutes. The monarchs were seen, too, in many other areas of the refuge, floating across the landscape, flying quickly from place to place, and seeking nectar primarily on sawtooth sunflowers. During 3 1/2 hours of observations in the late morning and early afternoon, we counted 1240 monarchs--the most yet by far during daily visits to the refuge.

Prairie City, IA

Latitude: 41.6 Longitude: -93.3

Observed by: Robert
Contact Observer

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