Date: 09/23/2017

Number: 64

During the five mile drive along Dune Road in Westhampton Beach/Westhampton Dunes, from the Jessup Lane Bridge to Cupsogue Beach Park and later on the beach, we counted 64 Monarchs in flight. Some traveling alone, some in pairs, all seeming to make their way West Southwest following the Fire Island barrier beach. This was late in the day, after 5 pm, and as sunset approached those flying along the beach seemed to be heading for the dunes and their grasses and scrub pines, presumably to roost.

Total observation time was probably 2 hours - but the conditions varied. We saw the bulk of this count while driving - at speeds of under 30 miles and hour (limits of 30 and then 25 on that five mile stretch). So saw about 45 on the drive which took 15 minutes or so. Heavier concentration on first half of drive - where the homes and condos along Dune Road road have more lush landscaping. But really had a sense of moving through a population while we drove.

In the parking lot and on the walk to the beach would say another 10 or so flew past. Then for the next hour - sitting on the beach and walking along the water's edge - saw the last few in that time. Obviously, frequency dropped off substantially.

Breeze was off the ocean, so just a few were flying near the water.

Westhampton Beach, NY

Latitude: 40.8 Longitude: -72.7

Observed by: Anthony
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