Date: 10/06/2013

Number: 500

This year's arrival of large numbers is about a week EARLIER than we usually get peak migration. Varies year to year of course, mostly with timing of cold fronts and wind direction.

Today's estimate of 500 monarchs is a safe low end estimate. If your asked me if 1000 or more was possible, I would say yes. Spread through liatris growing in many locations on our property. Direct count and even estimates are challenging, because flowers grow mostly intermingled with tall prairie grass. Can't see Monarchs from very far away and even then, when wings are folded they are very difficult to spot. Have to sit and wait for them to open wings. I did do a couple quick transits in truck to verify the estimate is in the right order of magnitude.

Image shows Monarch on Gayfeather growing in Little Bluestem prairie grass. They are not all this hard to see, but it illustrates why migrating monarchs, even in large numbers,  may be overlooked.  There were many more Monarchs within feet of this one   You have to walk through and stir them up, or sit and watch for a long time for wing spread or short fights to the next flower stretches for a long time.

I know Monarch is small in the image, but cropping misses the point.

Weather Observations
Prior to this report: There were a lot of Monarchs parked near Oklahoma City for a week (El Reno and Midwest City reports). Prevailing wind was south or east (not north anyway) for several days. Abrupt shift north at 8 am Oct 5 from passing cold front. Temp dropped 15 degrees as well. Less than 0.1 inch rain - much more rain to north. I think one of the OKC area reports commented on front passage earlier. Wind remained brisk and generally north yesterday (Oct. 6). Dropped to nearly calm overnight. Lighter wind today (Oct. 7) but still north.

Chalk Mountain, TX

Latitude: 32.1 Longitude: -97.9

Observed by:
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