Date: 09/23/2017

Number: 200

We stopped at a rest stop near Junction City last night (9/23/17) on the turnpike. There is a foot bridge there over a creek.  The creek was dry except for mud along the banks. I saw some Monarchs heading that way so I followed.  As we looked down, there were hundreds of Monarchs getting ready to camp for the night.  They were on the rocks, in the leaves and hanging from the cedars, 20 or more together in each spot. We were thrilled to experience this. 

I am concerned that this hot wind has about ruined the prairie flowers where I live in northeast Kansas, in Baldwin City -- but where we saw the roost they were really dry.  The little creek had only mud along the bank, perfect habitat though for the Monarchs. The painted ladies have been very plentiful yes, but are on the decrease now. These were not painted ladies for sure.  See photo. It was almost dark so the lighting isn’t the best.

Manhattan, KS

Latitude: 39.1 Longitude: -96.6

Observed by: Rebecca
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