Date: 05/01/2012

Number: 1

Saw 2 adult monarchs today one about 4 miles south of Marshall, the other near Bellingham. Both were in flight but couldn't tell which direction they were headed.

I am sure they were monarchs. We just recently purchased a hobby farm outside of Marshall and went out there last night to try to do some mowing. It was right before some thunderstorms moved into the area. I couldn't tell what sex it was, but it was flying slowing around some evergreen trees by the garage.
I saw the other one while driving north on hiway 75 just south of Bellingham, MN. (I travel for work) It too was not flying very fast but just flitting along.

In my younger days I used to collect insects as a hobby and still have a substancial mounted collection of butterflies and moths, so I know they were definitely monarchs. In fact I was quite surprised to see them too. I think the earliest I've ever seen them before was around May 10th. I too have noticed the large amount of Red Admiral butterflies in the area. I don't ever remember seeing so many at one time.

Marshall, MN

Latitude: 44.5 Longitude: -95.7

Observed by: Amy
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