Date: 08/25/2014

Number: 100

Saw several clustering roosts just southeast of Osceola, WI tonight (8/25/14) . Temperatures were in the 60s and are predicted to bottom out at 52 by morning. Conditions were brisk wind from the west until dusk, clear skies, falling humidity.

This afternoon, I found a good sized alfalfa field in full bloom. From one spot, viewing just a small portion of the field, I counted more than a dozen Monarchs so I knew there could be many dozens or even more than a hundred in the whole field. The owner had cut half of the alfalfa today (and plans to cut the rest tomorrow). Luckily, last week's wet weather had postponed his cutting.

I was fairly confident that the Monarchs would go to a small hill of trees near the center of the field; not so. I gave up watching that spot at about 6:45 and drove out to the road, then north. I saw two Monarchs flying north along the ditch, so I slowly followed them, figuring they would lead me to the preferred roosting spots, which they did.

That spot was an assortment of trees on a high point near the northwest edge of the field. The owner gave me permission to photograph on his property and for an hour and a half, I watched a hundred or so Monarchs trying to settle in for the night at various spots around his acre or two woodlot and yard. Most of them probably ended up as singles or small, loose clusters. The clusters I ended up photographing were located on an oak tree along the wind belt and in a tall ash all by itself in the open yard.

I would not have found the roosts if I had not followed the Monarchs; live and learn.

The owner watched with binoculars and helped me count and verify that we had at least three branches with ten or more Monarchs. At one point I counted 20 as I panned the video camera.

Northerly winds are predicted for tomorrow (8/26/14) and the farmer is cutting the rest of the alfalfa; I suspect all of these Monarchs will be migrating as far south as the wind will take them.
I thank them kindly for the show. What a joy to see so many brand new, bright Monarchs. They are a thing of great wonder and joy.........

Update August 26
Monarch numbers have been far better this summer. I haven't seen as many Monarchs for a long time. Lately, I've become worried by the lack of caterpillars in my immediate areas, but yesterday's alfalfa field numbers and last night's roosts are very encouraging.

The weather has been wet for the last week with very few if any days with good north winds. We've had a mixture of cold days and then hot and muggy days. Temperatures ranging from 60s to high 80s, depending on the day and specific area.

Yesterday (8/25/14) the humid weather was pushed out when a high pressure moved in, bringing drier air and strong westerly winds.

I was actually surprised to find so many Monarchs yesterday afternoon. I cannot say whether they were mostly "locals" or not.

I do know that wind and weather has not been conducive to migration, but that has changed. Today's northwest winds will almost certainly move Monarchs all over the area. I will be checking for feeding Monarchs later this afternoon, but I suspect any that I find will not be those I saw feeding and roosting last night.

The three photos were taken this morning (8/26/14). Near 50 degree temps and cloudy skies kept the Monarchs roosting long after daybreak, and a widespread cloud cover discouraged any early activity.

But the sun is shining now, and the temperature is 62. After feeding, the Monarchs will be migrating. No doubt in my mind.

Osceola, WI

Latitude: 45.3 Longitude: -92.7

Observed by: Pat
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