Date: 10/10/2010

Number: 1

Oct 10, 6:45am- 9am, Chincoteague NWR, Assateague Island, VA

A dense fog shrouded the refuge this morning, and everything was covered with dew, including the monarchs. The beads of water on their wings glistened with the first rays of sunlight. At 7:10am they spread their wings to bask. The weather conditions were full sun, 68 degrees, wind NE at 2mph, and humid (the salt marsh mosquitoes have been anxiously awaiting these conditions). At 7:25am the first monarchs lifted off, even though their wings still looked damp. It was finally time to leave this island

I found a small roost in the shade and discovered one of the monarchs I tagged 3 days ago in almost the same spot. Thanks to the seaside goldenrod, his abdomen was noticeably larger than it was 3 days ago.

By 7:45am the NE wind had increased to 5mph. Most of the monarchs had lifted off and headed southwest toward Tom's Cove. I stood at the water's edge, happy to see that the surface was a mirror for the sky. I watched the monarchs fly out over the cove, turn around to head back to land then head back out again. They appeared to be testing the wind, to make sure it really was safe to cross water. I have never seen this hesitancy on good migration winds. Finally the monarchs relinquished their control to the wind and off they soared over calm blue water. Bye monarchs. Thank you for all the gifts you gave me this week.

By 9am there was not a monarch to be found anywhere. But at 9:30 the winds shifted and were ENE at 7mph-- perfect conditions to bring any monarchs still left at sea back to land. I will be out there waiting for them.

Oct 10, 1:30-5pm, Chincoteague NWR, Assateague Island VA

Monarchs started drifting in off the ocean to the beach during early afternoon east winds. They headed straight to the goldenrods and nectared for most of the afternoon. We spent 2 hours hauling water and giving the seaside goldenrod plantings one last good soaking. As we watered, we saw small numbers of monarchs flying SW out over Tom's Cove. I didn't find any dead monarchs on the beach, but I did find several scattered piles of monarch wings in the interdune area. I think a swarm of green darners must have feasted on monarchs.

On the drive back to Chincoteague Island, we noticed monarchs flying right down Maddox Blvd, crossing over Main Street and going right up the ramp to the new bridge over Chincoteague Channel. Perhaps it is easier for them to fly over pavement instead of open water. I have also seen this behavior on the Chesapeake Bay Bridge and on the above-ground sections of the Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel from Kiptopeke to Norfolk.

I will be heading back to Maryland tomorrow, but one of my former research assistants will be here later this week. I look forward to hearing about her monarch observations through the 3rd week of October. I think anything is possible this migration season.

I am grateful for this special island, the monarchs that entice me here every year, those that help with and support my project, and the camaraderie of my fellow Monarch Watchers. Don't forget to savor every moment of this phenomenal migration.

Courtesy of Monarch Watch

Assateague Island, VA

Latitude: 38 Longitude: -75.3

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