Date: 01/14/2012

Number: 1

January 14
Monarchs (several hundred) clumped together on the end of many pine tree boughs on Ft. Morgan, AL. Similar to the photos I have seen from Mexico, though on a smaller scale.

January 18
My plan for today was to arrive at the site before daybreak so I could be sure and get the roost fully intact, so I left the house shortly after 4 am and arrived at the site at around 5:30. I relocated the roost exactly in the same spot and even on the same limbs, but I think the severe weather that rolled through overnight may have scattered the roost somewhat as evidenced by the number of ones and two's I noted around the site. The wind was 20 mph from the North, the result of a cold front and severe storms that moved through during the night. Also, the groups that I did find were loosely arranged along the branches and not clumped together as they were this weekend. I have attached 4 photos that document the roost and gives some local reference points for others that may want to view them also. Amazingly, they are roosting directly above (12-15 ft) a brick pathway that is part of the historic construction of the fort (completed in 1834) - how convenient is that!

Doing a quick count of one of the branches I get maybe 40 or 50, times 3 branches that were similar would be 140+, plus the ones and twos could be another 100 or so. So, my best guess is around 250. With a 20 mph wind, the branches were really moving a lot. Throw in the low light conditions and it is possible I could have missed some others, but 200-300 is probably pretty close. I'll try to get back this weekend and take another look under calmer conditions.

I first witnessed this at the same location 3 or 4 winters ago and I am sure I took photos then. I will try to locate them.

Fort Morgan, AL

Latitude: 30.2 Longitude: -88

Observed by: Duane
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