Date: 10/10/2013

Number: 200

Roost for night of Oct 10-11.

We checked the large grove, arriving about 1735. Passed some Monarchs still on flowers in meadows on the way out. There were more Monarchs in the grove than we had seen yet this year. Most perched, but flushed immediately when approached. All through the grove. No large clusters. With them moving from perch to perch, a direct count was impossible, but at least 100. When we left the grove about one hour before sunset, Monarchs had cleared from flowers in meadows. We then checked several other sites on the property and found Monarchs behaving similarly in and around almost every large Live Oak or Ashe Juniper tree or grove that provided a decent wind break. Those further from liatris had fewer. The second largest grove, which is dominated by Live Oak, had at least 50 and I guesstimate the rest at 50 for total 200. Did not check again after dark.

I have been shooting mostly video rather than stills. I will send links once I get a chance to edit. My video and NLE skills are rusty.

The image is one of the occasional hazards of hunting butterflies in the bush. Crotalus atrox, the Western Diamondback, sunning in the large grove. Shadow was moving over it as sun set. Its head is a bit over 2 inches long. I changed route and it never moved.

Chalk Mountain, TX

Latitude: 32.1 Longitude: -97.9

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