Date: 10/20/2019

Number: 100

4:10 pm At West Beach 2.5 kms north of the Tip at Point Pelee National Park observed 13 Monarchs in 18 minutes arrive from the north and follow the parking lot south toward the Tip. Deliberate in flight each singly followed the same path south. (Video)
The shoreline is west & adjacent to the parking lot. It was windy along the shoreline but very protected/calm over the parking lot.
Tip gate opened at 5pm. Proceeded down to Tip.
5:10-6:30 pm.
17°c & Clear with SW wind @ 10-17kmh.
High of 18°c Overnight low 8c
Sunset 6:41pm
Observed numerous monarchs flitting over West path & above treetops.
They established three main clusters;on south side of a Hackberry near the Tip; on west/sunny side in Hackberry near dangerous current sign & on west/sunny side of a Hackberry near east side of Tip. Clusters seen from west path. Many individuals here & there. Largest cluster of about 25.
At around 5:30 observed one monarch head out about 75'over Tip, with Pelee Island in sight it flitted out of view. I watched with my binoculars until I could no longer see it. Two others headed out but returned to tree line. I have never witnessed a monarch head out over Lake with less than an hour before sunset. I have seen them head out & return but not continue over lake out of view.

Most appeared pristine but I did find one deceased on the ground in the interior woods. Very thin abdomen.
Another live one had discolored wings & another had a v shape cut (bird predation) from it's left lower wing.
Strong unfavorable wind will keep them from crossing til around the 24th/25th. Mid aft on the 24th may become favorable & for sure wind lightens on the 25th & a brief northerly wind should allow them to cross the lake.
Did not observe any monarchs nectaring or even looking to nectar. Flowers are decreasing but still some Asters in bloom.
Outside of the park (like at our home) is where they are seen nectaring on Zinnias, Butterfly bush & sage.

Count by clicker, binoculars

https://youtu.be/tOwjRDyKKCM
https://www.facebook.com/PeleeParadiseSanctuaryMonarchWaystation10275/

Point Pelee National Park, ON

Latitude: 41.9 Longitude: -82.5

Observed by: Darlene
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