Date: 09/22/2015

Number: 36

Numbers of adults utilizing a small line of pine trees has been steadily increasing over the last few days. Approx 30-36 individuals were counted as they sheltered from a light rain.

I have been watching this location since about Monday Sept. 14th. Last year around the middle to end of September there were many more Monarchs using this location. The number using the area has been very slowly increasing over the last two weeks. Only noticed a few fluttering around on the 14th and roosting at night. Since this location is at work, I usually check it at lunch time and around 5pm or so. Monarchs are always present during those times. Overnight temps for the last couple of weeks have been in the mid 60's. We are just coming out of a very hot (high 90's), dry and windy (25-30mph) spell with daytime highs in mid 80's now. Overnight lows are about to be getting into the mid 50's.
I did check early this morning around 8:15am since it is cloudy and drizzling; Monarchs were present at the location fluttering in between the tree limbs.

This line of pine trees is right next to a small reservoir/pond; it is quite low but definitely is holding water. I believe I noticed some Smartweed blooming. There are quite a few large alfalfa fields in the vicinity; a couple small research alfalfa plots are a quarter mile from this spot. There is a house right next to the line of trees as well with a variety of ornamentals blooming including Russian Sage and some Marigolds. Prairie Sunflowers are starting to finish up blooming but there are some scattered blooms along the roadsides here still. The hot/windy spell really stopped a lot of blooms.

Editor’s note: Observer confirmed 9/22 is the night the roost of 36 formed.

Garden City, KS

Latitude: 38 Longitude: -100.9

Observed by: Anthony
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