Date: 10/14/2017

Number: 8000

At Point Pelee National Park

Arrived at sunrise (7:35am) to observe overnight roosts- At about 9:30 am it began to drizzle a touch; the Monarchs continued to be ornamental on the east side trees, so we decided to leave & return in the evening. On the walk to the shuttle stop a few monarchs were observed nectaring on the few Asters & thistle-like flowers.
While waiting for the shuttle, where it was calm but cloudy, I decided we needed to go back down to the Tip for another look.
Upon arrival around 10 am the Monarchs remained on the East side trees, others observed arriving from the north. Their audience remained capturing their beauty.
Just before 10:30 I decided to walk to the very Tip.
Much to my amazement, the Monarchs began leaving, from the West side trees & the East side trees & over the treetops. Some flew high & some low. Many landed on the sand to puddle for nutrients. 6 waves of Monarchs continued for an hour with lulls between the waves. They ventured out up to 6 to 8 at a time but many 6 & 8's at a time.
Oovernight we had roosts of, at my estimation, 4500 however many suspected a much higher number of 8,000 crossing Lake Erie to continue their journey south to Mexico.
An amazing morning!
Monarchs continued to arrive all day & depart with the favorable weather even though the cold front/storm continued north of the area.
25-30 Monarchs were seen 5-7 pm.

Video of the the Monarchs departing the Tip, Canada's most southern mainland point.

https://youtu.be/NSdeDXjf1fc

Many more photos & videos at-
https://www.facebook.com/PeleeParadiseSanctuaryMonarchWaystation10275/

Leamington, ON

Latitude: 41.9 Longitude: -82.5

Observed by: Darlene
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