Date: 09/09/2018

Number: 3000

I knew when I observed these Monarchs being blown by the 50 kmh North wind from the Willow Trees out to the south but they were facing north desperately trying to get back to the trees, that they were not going over Lake Erie willingly.
There's a difference between Monarchs facing south & flying fighting the wind to go south ...&....Monarchs being blown south from the trees they were holding on to, facing north fighting the wind to desperately get back to their lifelines. I witnessed it last fall & again this past weekend. This was Sept 9th around 5 pm.
About 3,000 Monarchs had through the day gathered in this row of mature Willow Trees just north of Point Pelee National Park. They were arriving from the east; had followed the shoreline from the east & when they reached wide open area, rather than continue south to Point Pelee they sought shelter in these Willow Trees.

Many found deceased/torn apart on shoreline- https://journeynorth.org/sightings/query_result.html?record_id=1526365023

Sept 9th 1:30 pm gathering- https://youtu.be/I1doYz_nNoE

Sept 9th 5pm- fighting the very strong North wind to get back to the trees- https://youtu.be/oja0SQKftPs

Sept 10th 8:45 am Wind subsided somewhat. In clusters- they they had all left by 11 am- https://youtu.be/oja0SQKftPs

https://www.facebook.com/PeleeParadiseSanctuaryMonarchWaystation10275/

Leamington, ON

Latitude: 42 Longitude: -82.5

Observed by: Darlene
Contact Observer

The observer's e-mail address will not be disclosed.
Contact will be made through a web-based form.