Date: 10/08/2013

Number: 300

I forgot to say on Oct 6 and 7 reports that 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 I did a transit at 14:30 of 275 yards, watching within 50 feet of path. Counted 50. Many were as usual difficult to see perched with wings folded on liatris, partly in tall grass, so likely I missed a few. Wind was higher than yesterday, from southeast. Also a little warmer, but never above 85. A conservative scale up of count to total liatris area give 250.

In addition I found many Monarchs under trees and groves typical of night roosts. Resting on typical roost perches. But alert and would flush when I approached, then land again. I Counted 50, mostly in one large grove. I have no method to scale up for other areas, so 50 it is. For a total of 300.

There could actually be as many as yesterday, since winds have not been blowing toward Mexico. I suppose the ones already under trees at 14:30 were sheltering from sun and wind. And that their lipid tanks must be full or they would still have been be feeding. Ready to go when the wind changes.

Image is Monarchs sheltering mid afternoon grove of mostly Ashe Juniper.

Chalk Mountain, TX

Latitude: 32.1 Longitude: -97.9

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