Date: 04/04/2011

Number: 1

I ran outside around 6pm to give the Junco's a snack and I was stunned to see a badly torn monarch butterfly coasting on a tailwind overhead. It was 79 degrees here in south jersey today. I'm guessing the temperatures coaxed an overwintering stowaway out of hiding. Not a whole heck of a lot to eat in this part of town at this time of year. I'm worried about the little guy, although it was truly a beautiful sight.

I was astonished. It was flying above my head so I only saw the underneath. I have seen thousands of Monarchs migrating at a time and have watched their flight patterns for hours and hours on end. I am almost certain that what I saw was a tired tattered Monarch. It had the rounded outline of a Monarch
and coloring,dark orange, black outline. The thing that struck me was a huge vertical tear in its wing. It didn't appear to be a fresh migrant at all. So my first thought was it had survived the winter somehow. Can I say with one hundred percent accuracy that is was a Monarch, no, I cannot. Had it landed for even a second I would have. I haven't actually ever seen a viceroy in this area in 21 years. That's not to say there aren't any so I don't think it was one of them. I do have quite a few butterfly bushes as well as lantana and plenty of milkweed when all is in bloom and have never seen anything other than skippers, admirals, black and yellow swallowtails(we raised blacks from caterpillars it was so cool), cabbage, buckeye, painted ladies and a few others.(In my yard) I tried to run after the butterfly in question (that was a sight, I'm not a runner) but the 10 to 15mph winds just took it. I understand how this needs to be 100% accurate. I will also understand if it isn't posted. I certainly don't want to make a mistake. From the underneath view I got, it looked to be a Monarch.

There isn't any butterflies out at this time of year normally, so I was scratching my head a little. I was worried as well because I wont see my milkweed til well into the deep spring!!!! Kinda thinkin I should probably run out and order some though, just in case the elusive little guy come's back. This time I will be sure to take a picture!

Atco, NJ

Latitude: 39.8 Longitude: -74.9

Observed by: Jeanne & Thomas
Contact Observer

The observer's e-mail address will not be disclosed.
Contact will be made through a web-based form.