Date: 09/23/2019

Number: 1000

Monarchs have been roosting in my yard every night since September 1.

Monday, September 23, sunny and beautiful. High temps mid 70s. Wind W approximately 5-15. Overnight temps to be mid 50s.

Surprisingly, not much nectaring going on Monday although did notice a few periodically. Still predominantly nectaring on zinnias, tithonia, etc. Very early roosting at 12:30-1 pm on east side of maples, walnuts and ash at lowest point in yard. Large roosts were already forming with easily 100-200 in each. About six large clusters and many smaller. Monarchs joining roosts by the minute. I couldn’t walk through the yard without scaring them up. Located approximately 1000 at this time. Very easily startled at this time of day. I figured today would be a big day with monarchs stuck in place because of the rainy weather for the last three days. Roosts grew throughout the afternoon and evening with more monarchs still flying about just before dark.

When I checked roosts at 7:30 am Tuesday I located easily 1000 with that number being on the low side. Roosts set up on east side of walnuts, maples and ash in lowest point of yard. Temperature low 60s, sunny. Tuesday is to be mid 80s, with SW winds 10-20 gusts to 30. Showers and storms possible overnight.

Springville, IA

Latitude: 42.1 Longitude: -91.5

Observed by: Cammie
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