Date: 09/21/2011

Number: 40

We have a small wild area behind our house with a very large and old black walnut tree that is about two thirds covered in equally old ivy which is now in bloom. The flowers produce a very sweet nectar. Over the past five days Monarchs have been gathering in the tree both to roost (9/21) and to feed from the nectar of the flowers (9/17 -21). The tree is alive with monarchs as well as honey bees and other butterflies. My estimate of 40 is probably very low as I could only get to two sides of the tree which is a good 25 to thirty feet wide in its branching. Each of the branches is covered in flowering ivy and there are Monarchs in all of it. It is truly a sight to behold. Though I have seen occasional Monarchs in past years this is the first year I have seen such a large group. This may be due to the flowering of the ivy coinciding with the migration.

Winchester, VA

Latitude: 39.2 Longitude: -78.2

Observed by: Helen
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