Date: 09/07/2019

Number: 3600

Seen over a distance of 7km. Constant stream in the air, flying in S.W. direction, and feeding on goldenrod. This was at mid-day with wind at 16km/hr from the west, and 21C.
I calculated numbers by averaging repeated counts per minute, but certain the actual number to be higher...too many to count.

Editor's note: contacted observer for more details on this sighting

I was out for about an hour and a half. I began by direct counting but they were on either side and above me in the air, as well as feeding on a wide swath of goldenrod along the waterfront and on a number of naturalized patches in the park. Many were coming over water and in to shore...some very high in the air and others landing to nectar. Others were coming from the northeast or east. Soon realized my counting was unmanageable.

Subsequently switched to counting by timing one minute, repeatedly along my route. The numbers varied higher or lower over the seven kilometres. I then averaged out those numbers.
In general they were on the move towards the west, but goldenrod also heavily laden with monarchs.
There certainly were many more I just missed, so I believe I have actually underestimated the true numbers.

It was a joy to witness!

Ajax, ON

Latitude: 43.8 Longitude: -79

Observed by: teresa
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