Date: 09/28/2010

Number: 1

(I raise Monarchs from wild eggs and caterpillars to release back to the wild). Had FIVE MONARCHS, late bloomers/third generation, enclose Sept.24, the day 'The Floods' started in NW WI which led to my protecting them from the deluges by keeping them indoors.
Have you ever tried to keep five Monarchs fed and entertained inside your home for three days?
Actually,it went well. Monarchs are good teachers and I'm a willing student. A couple things I learned: watermelon is preferred to cantaloupe; the higher the perch, the better. They recognize their 'keeper'; perhaps as bees do? AND Monarchs Play.etc. etc.
September 27th the skies cleared. All five were well fed,rested, and ready to go. I released them all at the same time. I'd never witnessed a butterfly catch an upward spiraling air current before. Watching them flutter, rise up higher and higher until they needed to expend only enough effort to correct their gliding and then continue their graceful flight ... steadily South........was a great ending to this experience. My observation time: I was watching for ___ hours and ___ minutes.

eau claire, WI

Latitude: 44.8 Longitude: -91.5

Observed by: cynthia
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