Date: 10/25/2011

Number: 1

I noticed 2 monarchs flying around the asters and butterfly bushes. I was able to sneak up on them and take some photos. After taking the initial photos, I decided to try and catch them, and examine their abdomens. I was able to catch one bare-handed, and the more skittish monarch required the use of my net. I took photos of both monarchs. Their abdomens looked ok from the side view, but looking straight on they were noticeably thin, especially the hand-caught monarch. Both monarchs were feverishly feeding from a small clump of late-blooming smooth asters, and 2 butterfly bushes. They completely ignored my lantana, a trend I have noticed the last 3 years. Very little is blooming in my garden right now, or in the wild near me—most plants have begun to go to seed. I hope these monarchs make it, I wish I had some Gatorade to give them! It was sunny, 62 degrees, winds from the SW at 5-10 mph with gusts up to 20 mph.

I saw 4 monarchs this past Sunday as I returned home from a trip to Columbus, OH. They were coming way too close to my windshield! I noticed few plants blooming within 1 hour’s drive of my home, but closer to Columbus there were susans, goldenrods and asters still blooming.

Sylvania, OH

Latitude: 41.7 Longitude: -83.7

Observed by: candy
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