Date: 03/10/2020

Number: 1

Today I had my first sighting of a beautiful monarch this season. In the late afternoon around 3:45pm I saw her nectaring on false garlic wildflowers (Nothoscordum bivalve), which are in abundance in our pastures. They are always a monarch favorite. Though having somewhat faded wings, she seemed healthy and strong.

It was partly cloudy, a warm 79 degrees F, with a light north breeze, and 58% humidity.

I watched her as she flew from flower to flower nectaring for about 10 minutes. Then she set off on a search for milkweed: flying gently and slowly over the grass, stopping and checking at likely candidates every so often. She traversed the area where the native milkweed (Asclepias viridis) will soon appear. Unfortunately, it has not yet emerged ... at least I have not been able to find even a sprout in the likely spots. She did not seem to have any luck either after about a 15 minute diligent search. She then flew into the nearby woodland area.

The milkweed should sprout soon. Thankfully there are abundant false garlic flowers, wild blackberry blossoms, and some just emerging yellow thistles to supply nectar.
Such a wonderful visitor to see!

Montgomery, TX

Latitude: 30.4 Longitude: -95.8

Observed by: Kathy
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