Date: 09/10/2009

Number: 1

Our very first monarch, a male we named "Chip" in honor of the founder of Monarch Watch, emerged on 09/09/09. He was set free at 3:45 pm in our back yard. He immediately flew due south very quickly. We also set free a gorgeous female who emerged earlier this morning a few minutes later. She stayed in some nearby trees for a while before flying in a southerly direction at a much more leisurely pace than Chip did. We have released hundreds of other butterflies (painted ladies and gulf fritillaries) but have never observed one depart so quickly and on such a dedicated path.

We have two more males and another female that emerged this afternoon. We also have 41 more pupae in which several look like they will eclose tomorrow. They will be released tomorrow, weather permitting.

Myrtle Beach, SC

Latitude: 33.8 Longitude: -78.8

Observed by: Vickki
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