Date: 09/14/2016

Number: 150

19:25 Point Pelee National Park - After a day of strong East and North East winds which I figured might be pushing the Monarchs along Lake Erie and possibly across it we arrived at the tip parking lot to be greeted by 2 Monarchs flying over the car. After parking we walked back along the road to find a group of 10 or 12 trying to roost in a Hackberry tree on the East side of the tip road in strong winds. We left them and headed further South passing another 12 heading North presumably they joined the first group. Watched many more join a roost already forming in one of the historical roost trees (Hackberry). This one numbered at least 100 at this point. A fellow Monarch enthusiast pointed out a small roost of 6 which had already formed even further South directly over the main tip trail almost at the tip. The sun had now set. While trying to decide where to look next my son almost collided with a Monarch headed North up the trail from the direction of Lake Erie. So we headed out on the sand and witnessed Monarchs flying off the lake from the Southeast and Southwest seemingly appearing out of nowhere flapping furiously to avoid being carried back out over the lake. We followed them to the large roost which kept growing in the fading light. We suspect there may be many more in isolated roosts wherever they could find refuge for the night. My concern is for the ones who may have not made landfall. People in Ohio on the southshore of Lake Erie should be on the lookout tomorrow. Anyone in Point Pelee in the morning will likely be treated to a beautiful sight. What a night!

Point Pelee National Park, ON

Latitude: 41.9 Longitude: -82.5

Observed by: Laura
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