Date: 10/15/2018

Number: 90

Monarch Mania continues!!

After a cold, raw rainy day I spotted 90 + monarchs today. During the morning drizzle I spotted 13 driving to work (in the immeidate area of the beach). After Work I drove to Robert Moses and spotted 77 fluttering around the golden rod, and settling in their roosts for the night. Unfortunately I only observed for 10 minutes as the sun was setting quickly and it started to drizzle again. If I had more time I know there were dozens more I could have counted.

The past few days are the most monarchs I have spotted this late in the season. Not sure why the push so late. Historically by now I would only spot 10-50 a day, A welcome sight, but still puzzling. Not sure if it is climate change, the strong storms/hurricanes or change in the species. Any thoughts?

I also spotted a double rainbow at the beach when I arrived.

Temps are in the high 60's with a SW wind at 20 mph. Weather for the next few days is projected sunny but cool with temps in the high 40's on Thursday.

Bay Shore, NY

Latitude: 40.6 Longitude: -73.2

Observed by: Barbara
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