Date: 09/09/2016

Number: 50

Monarchs abundant throughout day on terraces along Escalante River, across from Fence Canyon. Also, in lower numbers in side canyons two miles above and below over following four days.

It was thrilling, really, to see so many Monarchs! I was leading a field course for Prescott College—we backpacked in to the Escalante River, and camped (in three separate locations) for 5 nights. We saw Monarchs every day in the area, though only in such abundance on 9-10 September, on the river terrace (with riparian vegetation of Populus fremontii, Salix exigua, and other spp.). Most were individuals in flight, though many could be seen at any one time. I did witness some nectarine, and in a couple instances, pairs in contact. We also saw Monarchs in “Neon” Canyon (an unofficial name in common usage--I call it Skyhole Canyon)—the next side canyon south of Fence Cyn—but much less abundantly (much less vegetation here).

We also saw smaller numbers in Choprock Cyn, the next side canyon north of Fence—again, less vegetation in this side canyon.

Fence Canyon, UT

Latitude: 37.6 Longitude: -111.2

Observed by: Tom
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