Date: 09/25/2019

Number: 49

Hi everyone: The last two days have been spectacular at my way station 04511 on West Island on Buzzard’s Bay. I wait all year for a few days like these. Some years I never have a day like I had Wednesday, the 25th. My tiny yard had 49 at a time on the asters and goldenrods that I grow on my tiny sliver of yard (16th of an acre not forested). Strong southwest winds perhaps made more of them visit my way station. With winds out of the north they should on the move today.

At 61 years old I have learned that sometimes the only thing to do is to go outside and watch and enjoy. So I did! For the last two afternoons I have put my work aside and gone outside to simply be among them and feel the joy of their company.

It’s been a tough summer here. Lots of spraying for mosquitos from the air and from the road. I was worried about the effects on the migration. But despite the sprays, and apparent lateness, there are lots of monarchs on the move for the past two days up here. We still have New England aster in full bloom and seaside goldenrod is finally in bloom.

I let my yard fill with asters and goldenrods this year and let them grow to six feet. (Probably to the dismay of my neighbors!) The monarchs particularly like the taller plants. Migration is so tough - the least I can do is offer the monarchs a sheltered place to feed along their way. Between the wind and difficulty of plants being available at the right times, migration on the coast can be hit or miss.

They are coming your way! Hope you planted lots and lots of asters and goldenrods!

Thankful in New England, Louise

Fairhaven, MA

Latitude: 41.6 Longitude: -70.9

Observed by: Louise
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