Date: 09/18/2018

Number: 1000

Monarchs feasting in our field when we arrived before sunset. In a 4 acre hillside, that had been seeded with native plants (about 10 yrs ago). Overrun with tall goldenrod this fall, but we mowed some strips last month which allowed other natives to spring up. Monarchs were everywhere in the strips and were gathering in the trees along the edge of the field...and in the saplings scattered throughout the plot. Getting ready to roost for the night. Fantastic!

Our monarch count is an estimate. My friend said " thousands", but I was going to say 500-1000. They were everywhere! Made me so happy ...and it was rewarding, to see that my efforts in converting a fallow field to native prairie, were attracting and feeding these beauties!

Prior to the native planting, we were stunned to see our old oak tree covered with monarchs one evening ...at first I thought the leaves had all turned brown. As we got closer, it was just breathtaking. I was hooked! Hoped each year to catch it again, but with our timing or their flight pattern, we haven't had a repeat. So this year, I was determined to make the effort and check the site each evening, using your maps as a guide for being there at the right time. Woo hoo!! They didn't roost in the old oak tree, but were spread out in the trees surrounding their "buffet".

Will check again tomorrow!

Golden Eagle, IL

Latitude: 38.9 Longitude: -90.6

Observed by: Lisa
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