Date: 04/18/2018

Number: 11

At various times today I went outside and into the pastures ~ each time I saw monarchs. From 11 to 12noon I saw 3 individual monarchs flying near the woods and over milkweed patches. It was 73 degrees F, overcast, with 71% humidity. The soft breezes carried intoxicating fragrances of blossoming trees, vines, and flowers. I was mostly focused on looking at milkweed at this time and found eggs and all sizes of monarch caterpillars ~ sitting still or munching on buds or leaves.

At 4pm I went out for a quick walk around the meadows and saw 5 monarchs (4 males and 1 female). It was now 78 degrees F, mostly cloudy, with soft breezes, and 68% humidity. The beautiful female was fluttering low looking for milkweed, but was noticed by one of the males and they went on a high-flying chase into the woodlands.

In the late afternoon around 5:30, as I was working in the yard, I saw 3 monarchs ~ two flying past and one in the nearby pasture nectaring on prairie plantains. I hadn't taken many photos today, but was able to get a quick one of this male as he was resting on a prairie plantain (Cacalia plantaginea). These are wonderful tall nectar plants that are now blooming and are favorites of monarchs ~ especially the males as they use them as lookouts and love patrolling groups of them.

Montgomery, TX

Latitude: 30.4 Longitude: -95.8

Observed by: Kathy
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