Date: 10/17/2017

Number: 100

Very strong southwest wind, about 14C. Clear sky. Did not get an exact count as we spent a lot of time observing. The Monarchs were roosting on the east side of the tip in very loose groups mostly on Wild Grape vines and Hackberry trees. I wonder if they may have chosen the grape because its leaves are broad which would afford more wind blockage. Most Monarchs were relatively low down and loosely grouped which gave us the opportunity to note at least a half dozen with wing damage and deformities. One was missing a hind wing! Others had curvatures on the upper edges of their forewings. This one was hanging on in a precarious spot close to the tip. Part of the reason the photograph is blurry is that her chosen plant was moving so much. She was extremely faded, missing many scales, and her wings did not seem to close properly. Are some of these so late because their deformities hinder their flight? Forecast for continuing strong southwest wind for the next couple of days. I hope they make it. Amazing that they continue on in spite of their handicaps. Inspirational.

Leamington, ON

Latitude: 41.9 Longitude: -82.5

Observed by: Laura
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