Date: 10/05/2017

Number: 300

Day of the Dead may arrive soon but monarchs are still streaming westward today along north shore of Lake Ontario in east Toronto, with a similar report from Burlington at the west end of Lake Ontario.

Starting at 12:00 pm, counted at least 150 counted in 1.5 hours, but perhaps twice that number were in this park on the Scarborough Bluffs. A steady stream soared west along the sheltered mowed path high up on the Bluffs. Captured the 16 to tag in about 20 minutes. Health perfect specimens. Abdomens appeared healthy but not overly plump. Temperature about 18 C or 64 F but in the hot sun....got sweaty at times, particularly when I sat to tag. Nectar sources quickly declining with New England aster preferred and the last major source here.

Took photo of one large stem of New England aster with 6 monarchs on it. Sometimes several monarchs seen at the same time in the sheltered areas. Strong southwesterly winds and small whitecaps on the lake. Monarchs doing lots of soaring vs. flapping of wings. At one point, I slowly approached one aster stem and 2 monarchs tolerated me being about 2 feet away as they nectared. One other landed. Bees busy at work.

4 perfect American Painted Ladies seen.

Suspect more monarchs are migrating from the north and east through the city. Got off Hwy. 401 expressway at Avenue Road and at the top of the short incline and ramp: 1 monarch heading west as it emerged from a subdivision to the north.

Some photos posted to Monarch Butterfly Fund Facebook site.

How long will this continue?

Toronto, ON

Latitude: 43.7 Longitude: -79.3

Observed by:
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