Date: 09/28/2016

Number: 200

At Caney Fork overlook on the Blue Ridge Parkway (southwest of Asheville NC), there have been monarchs nectaring on purple New England asters since Saturday. Wednesday evening we caught the sight of their moving into Fraser Firs and Fire Cherries to roost for the night as the temps fell to 60 dF and the sun started to set. Perhaps 200 in roost.

What a treat for area folks learning of this via Facebook posts and photos stemming from the notices on Journey North map!

Area travelers had no idea what a rare treat this was to see the butterflies since there has been basically little to no fall monarch activity in this area the past few years.

Happily, these asters are beyond the reach of the National Park Service mowers and are fresh with abundant nectar. Most of the goldenrods, Joe Pye weed and other asters are fading fast. Keep hope alive. -Ina.

Canton, NC

Latitude: 35.3 Longitude: -83

Observed by: Ina
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