Date: 09/17/2014

Number: 10

Took a short 2 lane highway road trip on US Highway 6 (Hwy 6 Parallels a few miles south of I-80)between the Moline, IL and Iowa City, Ia. Heading west on Hwy 6 at about 10:30AM with temperatures still brisk in the mid to upper 50's and overcast sky's I spotted 8 Monarchs at separate times crossing U.S.Hwy 6 heading South. Returning back East at about 3:30 pm with Temperatures now in the mid 60's and beautiful Sunny sky's spotted 2 more for a total of 10 Monarchs in Flight.
I would like to note all but 2 were observing my rules I set down to my released Monarchs, telling them before release to fly high, but when they must fly low stay at least 30 feet above the Roadways and Highways to avoid being struck by motor vehicle, my released Monarchs are passing the word :)
I mark this a Peak sighting because:
1.Usually (while that number is small) you still don't see that many Monarchs in flight, especially on a cool morning.
2. Saw no other Butterfly's Period in the AM besides the Monarchs braving the cool overcast sky's.
3. The biggest clue however was they were all heading without a doubt directly to the South, no messing around.
Note: I believe the reason I saw fewer in the PM because they were sensing the evening coming on and were looking for to feed and roost.

Moline, IL

Latitude: 41.5 Longitude: -90.5

Observed by: Gene
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