Date: 10/02/2008

Number: 25000

They are here!!!!! For the SEVENTH YEAR IN A ROW we have Monarchs in Mass Numbers roosting in the tall Willow trees bordering the section of China Creek that runs through our family ranch! Each year they arrive within the first 4-5 days of October and this year in no different. I will take pictures in the morning and get a more accurate count but we had at least 50 groups of 250 to 500 settling in for the evening. So, preliminary count is estimated at a low of 12,500 and as high as 25,000! I am always amazed at how spectacular this event is for us, we spend all year awaiting the next arrival. This year we had a much larger "crop" of Milkweed than normal so we expected large numbers. We usually have 2-3 waves arrive 2-3 days apart. So, we are beginning a wonderful week today. I'll update again in the am and send pictures! --mike--

Look Close, a Roosting Group Of About 150-200. We had up to 75 groups this size Roost with us again this year.

Close-up of Small Group!

Taking Flight, Coming Right At The Camera!

In Flight!

Sylvester, TX

Latitude: 32.7 Longitude: -100.2

Observed by: Mike
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