Date: 08/25/2010

Number: 1

Around Parry Sound (on Georgian Bay) Monarchs are busy nectaring on Joe Pye Weed, Bull Thistles, Goldenrod, asters, and clover. Today I tagged and released 45 (13 of them female) in two hours (from 4:30 to 6:30 pm.

Two days ago I tagged and released 27 at the same site in a similar time period.
An interesting phenomenon: Two days ago, when released, most adults flew clearly in a NW direction . . . today the vast majority flew in a SE direction after being released. In both situations the orientation was immediate and strong, almost like they were being drawn by a magnetic force.
Since it was getting late in the day, perhaps they were using the prevailing wind to go to the nearest trees to cluster for the night?

When adults are released the immediate direction they pursue seems to be influenced by local as well as the more long-range determinants which are moving them toward Mexico.

Courtesy of Monarch Watch

Parry Sound, ON

Latitude: 45.4 Longitude: -80

Observed by:
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