Date: 10/19/2014

Number: 700

Overnight Low 61. High 77. Light wind E to SE all day. Sun on and off as clouds moved past.

I first noticed monarchs about 10:00, which is when I first looked within a minute. But no continuous observation in the morning. From the back porch starting at 12:45 counted 100 monarchs in 45 minutes. Did not continue to count every one after that, but did check periodically to see if the rate had changed. It didn’t until about 17:00 when it slowed but remained at least 1 per minute. Last sighting at 19:05, which is 10 minutes after end of local sunset.

The easily observed view for counting was about 100 yards wide. In addition to those passing in this width, I checked with binoculars at right angles to their direction of travel. Visibility of ground level reaches 500 yards one direction and 200 the other. I saw monarchs traveling in parallel paths across the whole span.

To get an estimated count I used the initial rate from actually counting until 17:00, then cut in the rate in half until sunset. I did NOT scale up for those passing in the distance to either side, nor for any earlier 12:45.

All were flying generally south. Clearly directional flight. Occasionally some stopped at flowers for a few seconds, but no lingering. Never saw one fly into trees, but rather went over or around. In spite of prevailing crosswind to somewhat opposing wind, all traveled quickly. Wind pattern around trees and terrain apparently provided some useful local tail wind. All were flying individually, well spaced. Any groups of 2 or 3 were coincidental, and quickly separated as they continued. There was absolutely no suggestion of “flocking” or flying in formation. No reaction between individuals short of a random near collision.

Individual flight was a bit of everything. Some flapping, some gliding. Most were fairly low, but some at 50 feet or more. I even followed a couple with binoculars that appeared to be trying to ride small thermals upward, circling and rising.

All in all undramatic. No great activity or numbers all at once. No roosting, no gathering on food sources, just slow continuous flow, one at a time. We could easily not have noticed.

Chalk Mountain, TX

Latitude: 32.1 Longitude: -97.9

Observed by:
Contact Observer

The observer's e-mail address will not be disclosed.
Contact will be made through a web-based form.