Date: 09/16/2012

Number: 16

Sixteen monarchs were spotted 1 at a time traveling just over us as we sailed out of Mattapoisett Harbor, Mattapoisett, MA. About every half minute or less another butterfly would go right over us.

The best we can determine the butterflies were heading from the northeast to the southwest.  We were making forward motion at about 5.5 kts.

Overall there was a constant NW wind when we saw them. So, it seemed they were flying across the wind, not into nor along with. We were sailing in the direction the butterflies were flying, called a broad reach, which is a comfortable sail with good progress! How interesting!

   I must say we are quite wind-conscious when sailing so am quite sure about the direction.  I looked at local records in the area and there was variation but that accounts for the 'shifty'. 

Mattapoisett, MA

Latitude: 41.7 Longitude: -70.8

Observed by: Linda
Contact Observer

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