Date: 08/25/2010

Number: 1

Headed out this morning to survey the situation before the anticipated late afternoon rains. In one spot on the north shore of Lake Ontario, from about 10:30 to 3:00 pm (with 1/2 break for lunch) I collected 155 monarchs to tag off of flowering plants. They were almost all in pristine new condition. Found a number of eggs and small caterpillars - none longer than about 1/4 inch or 1/2 cm. Also spotted one mating pair and a couple of egg laying females depositing their eggs on milkweed. Golden rod beginning to bloom.

Other species included quite a number of red admirals in fresh condition, black swallowtail, cabbage white, painted lady and one dark skipper I was unfamiliar with.

I was surprised by the number that I caught in flight as they soared across the flowers with their wings in a "V" shape, or were heading towards me. Again, having a superb net with 18 inch opening and light aluminum handle that is 5 feet long makes the world of difference.

Courtesy of Monarch Watch

Oakville, ON

Latitude: 43.5 Longitude: -79.7

Observed by:
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