Date: 08/30/2020

Number: 100

Even compared to this AM there are big numbers moving through Newcastle today.

This second report for 8/30/20 reflects that things ramped up even more in the afternoon. The first report was for the AM, this second report for the PM. I add it because of the noticable increase in monach activity in the PM even compared to the high level of activity in the AM.

There is a stretch of greenspace along the waterfront that has been restored for butterflies. This is just south of the "Waterfront trail" which is on the north shore of Lake Ontario. The greenspace extends to the edge of some bluffs that drop off before the beach. See photo from last year.

Wildflowers in our area are more stunted this year due to hot dry conditions in July. To be clear the sightings were not on the beach, but in the upland area at the top of the bluffs. It is similar in many ways to the nearby Scarborough bluffs where Fred Urquart did his work. Often when winds are southward and strong the monarchs fly lower along the bluffs closer to the beach (i.e., instead of along the planted areas) to avoid the winds.

This area is a monarch highway during the fall migration each year.

Our nature group has been working to help monarchs for several years. You can find more info and some photos of the local areas on out blog here:

https://swnanews.wordpress.com/

Also check out our Facebook group: Newcastle Shoreline Monarch Waystation

Newcastle, ON

Latitude: 43.9 Longitude: -78.6

Observed by: Thomas
Contact Observer

The observer's e-mail address will not be disclosed.
Contact will be made through a web-based form.