Date: 08/20/2009

Number: 24

I was looking out into the backyard and noted a couple of monarch flying around. I was on the phone at the time and just idly watched them as I chatted. Then I noted them landing on one of my trees. The area where they landed looked odd to me so I stepped out onto my deck to take a closer look. Imagine my surprise and delight when I realized that the odd shading on the tree was actually dozens of monarch butterflies that had landed and were perched on one of the branches. As I ventured closer, I realized that two of the branches of the tree were just loaded with monarchs. It was a blustery and rainy day here so I think they were landing here to dry. I grabbed my camera and started taking photos. I hit the video option on the camera when more monarchs came and landed to rest with the rest of the group. When a new one would land, the others would gently flap their wings, as if to say "welcome". As I watched, another half a dozen of them came and landed, one at a time. What an amazing sight. It's too dark now to really be able to see them well. I hope they are still there in the morning so I can see them in full daylight.

I am located in a neighborhood. My yard is lined totally with large trees and the entire neighborhood is full of large trees. Many of them are over 20 years old so the big ones are not in short supply at all. If I am remembering right, the wind was from the north. It had been raining on and off all day so everything was very wet. The monarchs were on the south side of the tree. I do believe they were taking shelter and trying to get dried out. It was so cool when one would land, the others would gently flap their wings as though saying "Hello, what took you so long". There are some agricultural fields nearby - probably within a mile or so. They are mostly corn and some peas and beans. I don't think we have alfalfa fields nearby but I cannot say for sure.

Editor’s Note: We are estimating a minimum of 24 monarchs based on observer’s comment about “dozens of monarchs.”

they moved on to their next roosting spot. When I went out to see them the next morning (21st), only about half of them were still there.

Sartell, MN

Latitude: 45.6 Longitude: -94.2

Observed by: Karen
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