Date: 03/21/2011

Number: 1

Saw about a dozen monarchs hovering around pine trees late in the evening..6:00pm

The monarchs were in good condition with great color and no frayed wings. No tags.
I got my close focus binoculars and went out there to really get a good look at them.

The weather was warm ( 78 degrees ) and very windy. Normal for this time of year here.

They stayed for two days.

They were high up on my pines (maybe 20' or more ) circling together.
I think they were getting ready to roost for the night.
I have seen them several times now and it is always towards the evening.

I felt bad for the little guys...None of my nectar plants have flowers on them yet. The milkweed I planted last year is only about 3 inchs high right now. I have a butterfly garden with milkweed and as many native nectar and host plants that I can find to put in it...I also let my 5 acres of pasture go unmowed till the wildflowers are done. But, not much nectar anywhere here right now.

The wildflowers in my pasture are just barely coming up now.
We are in a drought again and that is not helping them.

Gause, TX

Latitude: 30.8 Longitude: -96.7

Observed by: D
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