Date: 10/21/2011

Number: 20

October 24
The location was the same as I reported. Approx. 12-20 monarchs refueling/resting/roosting on a 10 ft tall butterfly bush. The time was from 4:00 - 5:00 p.m. This location is a riding stable close to where Irmo and Columbia city limits join. We have had some lively and informative talks about monarchs both yesterday and today. I will look for the monarchs at the same place and time today.

October 21
I had seen a large monarch (approx. 50-60) migration when I lived in southeast Iowa 4 years ago (in late September), so I knew that the monarchs were gathering to refuel and rest for the night here in SC on 10/21/11. They roosted on a butterfly bush (about 10 ft tall, dense foliage and lilac colored flowers). There were about 10-20 monarchs. I was there for about 1 hr. (4:30 - 5:30 pm.) I returned the next day about noon and there were about 6-8 monarchs on the same bush......When I saw the monarchs in Iowa, I was accompanied only by my German Shepherd dog and I was so excited but had no one to share this experience. It was so amazing to see 1 or 2 monarchs arriving every few minutes from the northeast pasture to join the large group in my 2 maple trees. It was as though the group was waiting for the stragglers. How exciting! I wish I had seen their departure but I did not. I love monarchs and am happy to be a small part in watching and learning about them.

Columbia, SC

Latitude: 34 Longitude: -81

Observed by: Jeanie
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