Date: 10/13/2011

Number: 261

The Monarch Monitoring Project (Cape May Bird Observatory / New Jersey Audubon) in Cape May, NJ is conducting its 22nd year of research and education. Road Census data (sampling migrant monarch numbers along the mid-Atlantic coast) for the first four weeks of the 2011 season is now posted on our website. Details of our project may also be found on the website.

Cape May Monarch Monitoring Project

November 4
Tori Pocus counted 10 monarchs on the final census run of the 2011 season.
Despite some rather dire predictions prior to the 2011 migration, in Cape May
we recorded slightly better than average numbers of monarchs as measured against
our data for 2 decades. Of course this is just one snapshot of migrants moving across
a broad front. However, our the Cape May Road Census is one of only two (Peninsula Point,
Michigan is the other) quantitative measures of southbound migrants. Details are on
our website.

We thank all who have taken an interest in our work and as always we hope to . . .




See You At The Point

October 27
We have completed the last full week of the 2011 Road Census and the numbers are
posted on our website. In fact, we were somewhat surprised by the relatively large numbers (70 monarchs/hour)
of monarchs still migrating through Cape May . Was this weather related with migrants biding
their time northwards? Perhaps it was a surge of emerging adults? Or have these migrants
been displaced eastwards this year? While we don't have any definitive answers at present.
anecdotal reports from monarch watchers in other parts of North America also mention a
similar push of "late" migrants.

We were delighted to have a recapture (male monarch PLA 141) from Tyaskin, MD. The monarch
had traveled approximately 80 miles since tagged by Louise Zemaitis on October 9th. He was
in good shape and we wish him well on the rest of his journey!

October 21
While we are on the downslope, 90 monarchs/hour for the 2011 season Rebecca and Tori continue
to see numbers of monarchs on some of the census runs. Week 7 results are posted on
our website. A link from the website will take you to the blog for details.

October 13
While the migration got off to a slow start this fall monarchs have put on quite a show
in Cape May the last two weeks. Week 6 results, posted on our website, 261 monarchs/hour
tell the story - but only part of it.

Rebecca Allmond's latest blog post gives the details including highlights
of the week, an updated graph and a summary of recent weather patterns
in Cape May.

http://capemaymonarchs.blogspot.com/

October 5
Week 5 was a good week for monarchs in Cape May. 210 monarchs/hour. The long awaited cold front delivered as
expected and everyone fortunate enough to be in Cape May over the last several days saw the dunes
painted orange.

Details on week 5 numbers are posted on our website along with a corrected figure for week 4 (13 monarchs/hour).
Rebecca and Tori have posted numerous photographs and details about the recent flight on
their blog. A link to the 2011 Monarch Blog is on our website's home page. Check it out.

Courtesy of Dick Walton

Director, Monarch Monitoring Project

Cape May, NJ

Latitude: 39 Longitude: -74.9

Observed by:
Contact Observer

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