Date: 10/11/2016

Number: 1000

I did not have my camera with me. I will walk back later today. I was walking on the barrier island, Sunset Beach, NC. At the west end of the island there were hundreds of monarchs roosting and sunning on the dunes and in the brush! Hurricane may have put them off course!! They are in beautiful condition!

I saw them coming from the ocean onto the beach and flying around the dunes. I went to the backside of the island and found them in the low brush. It was only 60 degrees so they were grouped together in clumps . I had to run 2 miles home to get my camera and bike. When I got back they had moved back further so I traipsed through the brush in the dunes and found them in every bush. They were starting to warm up and were starting to fly around. I believe they are starting to go toward the intercoastal waterway. I think the hurricane delayed them.

Bird Island NC Coastal Reserve is adjacent to Sunset Beach, NC on the border of north and South Carolina. It is a 2 1/2 mile walk on the beach to get to it. I have been seeing monarchs sporadically all summer. I just moved here on the island. The hurricane compromised the dunes so access to the back side of the island is easier. Previously you could not walk on the dunes. The trees grow in clusters and when I went back this afternoon I found dozens of clusters with monarchs. I will try and get back early in the morning (10/12) when they are less active and get a count. The ones I saw on the beach were all moving toward the trees.

I walked 13 miles today back and forth checking on them! So excited!!!!!

Sunset Beach, NC

Latitude: 33.9 Longitude: -78.5

Observed by: Beth
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