Date: 08/24/2010

Number: 800

September 18
Two days after nearly all the Monarchs had left us, a strong storm system blew some more our way.
These photos were taken on September 17th. The butterflies were just beginning to wake up and open their wings. It was quite cool and overcast for much of the day, but when the sun came out in the afternoon, they were on their way again.

There's still a small group here.

September 16
Yesterday morning (9/15) we watched as nearly all of the roosting monarchs left our trees. This morning there were only about 50 clustered together. This afternoon as a strong cold front approached, we had very gusty winds and severe storms in the area. After the storms had passed, we began to see more and more monarchs flying in and landing on the pine trees. I believe the strong northwest winds have blown them off their course. Once again there are approximately 6- 700 beautiful monarch butterflies roosting here!

September 14
The monarchs continue to roost here on our property. I really thought more of them would have left by now, but they are lingering on. The weather has been sunny and temperatures have been warm during the day. I would estimate that we still have 5-600 monarchs roosting here. They started arriving on Aug. 23rd, so they have been here for about 3 weeks. Will report again when we are no longer seeing monarchs. I'll miss them!

September 6
I'm happy to report that the number of monarchs roosting on our property this year are far greater than last year. I would estimate that there were 7-800 on 09/05/10. During the day when I walk close to them, they take flight and fill the air before settling on the pine trees again. The cooler the air temperature, the closer they cluster together. This morning (9/6), the wind is from the south so they are clustered on the north side of the trees.

September 3
I have been amazed by the increase in numbers this year. When I walk down the line of pine trees during the day, multitudes of Monarchs fly up into the air over my head. I simply look up and stand there and smile at them. I feel so fortunate to be able to observe them. I can't help but speak out loud and wish them a safe journey!

August 27
The number of monarchs roosting have been increasing each night. This morning I would estimate there were 200-300 clustered among the leaves in the lower branches of a Maple tree. There were also smaller groups in the pine trees. Temperatures were a bit chilly with a low near 50 last night. We are forecast to have temperatures around 90 by the beginning of next week.

August 24
Last night we had approximately 30 Monarchs. They were resting on a branch in a tall Maple tree; the same branch they favored last year. Previously, on August 19th, we had 15 of them stop for the night. I'm hoping to see more of them as they come down from Canada.

Mount Cory, OH

Latitude: 40.9 Longitude: -83.8

Observed by: Emily
Contact Observer

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