Date: 10/27/2013

Number: 3

More late monarchs: Buzzard's Bay, MA: Waystation 04511 Lat 41.592706, Long -70.834805

Yesterday (10/27) in the face of steady SW winds, three migrating monarchs dropped in to nectar at those late zinnias from Monarchwatch I planted on the cat's grave this summer. They were flying low, up and over the houses and fences in their way which is probably how they found the zinnias. Usually they fly higher, but my house does seem to be in the migration route.

I was sitting at the other end of the yard with binoculars and saw them drop in onto the flowers one after the other. One male and two females. I have never been so glad for late blooming flowers, because everything else has gone to seed.

Although the winds were stiff they were at least making progress. The day before the winds were blowing a steady 35 mph blow so they couldn't have made much progress then.

I was astonished to see them, astonished that they found the flowers, and astonished that they were still making their way south.

Their determination against the wind with little to no food was impressive. I wish I had planted more flowers to bloom in late October. Next year I will!

Courtesy of Monarch Watch

Buzzard's Bay, MA

Latitude: 41.6 Longitude: -70.8

Observed by:
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