Date: 09/07/2014

Number: 36

9/7, Kent Island, MD (just across the Bay Bridge from Annapolis)

Terrapin Park had plentiful nectar sources in their planted meadow and along the beachfront trail. A tickseed sunflower (Bidens sp.) was in full bloom and was luring in red admirals, painted ladies, American ladies, pearl crescents, grey and red-banded hairstreaks, orange and clouded sulfurs, sleepy orange, sachems, and monarchs. In 20 minutes we counted about 3 dozen nectaring monarchs, including 2 ovipositing females. Common milkweed was spent, but swamp milkweed had been mowed back along the ponds and had re-sprouted with tender growth. Even though conditions were favorable for migration (sun, 78 degrees F, wind NNE at 11mph) we did not see a single monarch engaging in directional flight. Nor did we see any monarchs making the bay crossing as we drove back and forth over the bridge.

Chesapeake Environmental Center in Grasonville had saltmarsh aster, seaside goldenrod, groundsel-tree, and saltmarsh fleabane in bloom, but no monarchs were spotted there. However, red-spotted purple and common buckeye were seen sipping from smashed fruit in the parking lot.

Courtesy of Monarch Watch

Kent Island, MD

Latitude: 39.2 Longitude: -77.3

Observed by: Denise
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