Date: 09/20/2012

Number: 15

My husband and I spotted about 15 monarchs nectaring up on asters and goldenrod in an area where we have noticed that they gather year after year. The area is covered in fairly large size white pine with open areas that are full of goldenrod and asters. There is a small pond nearby and the land lies close to the Blue Ridge Parkway. It appears that the land was seeded with white pines approx. 20-30 years ago but since then has been allowed to develop naturally. At 6 we spotted approx. 15 butterflies spread over about an acrea area - most of them had their wings spread as if taking in the last few rays of sun. As the sun started to set they all traveled in the same direction back further in the pine woods but the area is fairly grown up and we were not able to follow them to find out where (or if) they were roosting. If it is like the previous 2 years they will stay in this area and nectar up for approx. 2 weeks before heading on.
Earlier in the day, I spotted 3 Monarchs (within close proximity)flying over the traffic as I was driving in the ASU area of Boone. They were all headed in the same direction.

Deep Gap, NC

Latitude: 36.2 Longitude: -81.5

Observed by: Cheryl
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