Date: 09/24/2020

Number: 120

Photo shows largest clusters. Another smaller group in another tree plus many scattered throughout back yard.

I first noticed the roost on September 20. I saw several in the air and walked to the back of the yard to see if any were roosting. It was late morning. The monarchs have shown up in September in varying numbers most of the past 10 years.

I am going to estimate there are approximately 120 butterflies in several clusters, some with two dozen in a cluster and then smaller groups of six or so. I know the numbers have increased since September 20 from about three dozen to the amount I just counted.

We live in the Flint Hills Tallgrass prairie so at this time there are still some species of sunflowers blooming, asters, broomweed, etc. I haven’t seen the butterflies seeking nectar, however.

They are roosting in Chinese elms, redbuds and choke cherries.

They are somewhat shielded from the prevailing south wind by shrubs and trees.

Conditions have been dry and warm, with winds mostly from the south or east. There is a cold front moving in tonight (9/26)

Strong City, KS

Latitude: 38.4 Longitude: -96.5

Observed by: Jaqueline
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