Date: 09/17/2016

Number: 40

I saw many adult monarchs flying in a northeast/southwest direction in the evening. Many appeared to be lighting in black willow trees.

I noticed the Monarchs flying into the willows around 6-7 p.m. It took me a while to see if they were landing. It eventually dawned on me they were all heading to this area of trees. I have no photo. It was dark, and difficult to pinpoint them with the leaves. I was like a child watching all of them flying in. I was apprehensive to stay in one place too long.

We have on our farm, approximately 60 acres of alfalfa in a partial bloom. The edge of the alfalfa is approx. 100 feet from the willows. There is also wild golden rod in the immediate area. We also have patches of clover in bloom. It is an uncultivated clover. Big red clover to be exact.

According to wunderground weather, the nighttime lows got to the middle to high 50's
I will guess the temperatures at roosting time were in the middle 70 range. A short sleeve shirt was quite comfortable.

The wind direction was from a slight south westerly, but closer to the "calm" range.

The monarchs were in a shielded area. At approximately 1140 feet, but on the north slope of a hill, in a low spot. But not the lowest spot in the area.

I will be watching this evening and will try to contain my excitement.

September 18: There are many Monarchs again today feeding on alfalfa. Fingers crossed that I get to see it again!

Savannah, MO

Latitude: 40 Longitude: -94.9

Observed by: Jim
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