Date: 10/06/2020

Number: 100

Roosting high in a couple of Bur oak trees 15-20 feet and some a bit higher.

On Tues (10/6), returning from a trip out of town, at about 6:30 P.M., I encountered Monarchs roosting in a mostly defoliated trumpet vine but found that most were roosting high on the north side of a bur oak which provided some protection from the wind and sun. The lowest were at about 10’.

I counted about 20 in a cluster there and estimated that number to be in other clusters. I believe the estimate of 100 is likely low. By Wed., the numbers were significantly less – perhaps half. I saw only a few – perhaps 10 - on Thursday and Friday, and Saturday I have not seen any.

I have 3.5 acres but only witnessed the butterflies in one area of the landscape.

There are a few nectar sources, but I have never observed the butterflies in great numbers using them. I saw one on a lantana and one on a zinnia. That’s all the nectaring that I saw.

I create muddles throughout the landscape but have yet to observe the butterflies use them.

Recently became a Texas Master Naturalist. For the three decades that I’ve lived here, the monarchs have stopped over during migration.

Midland, TX

Latitude: 32 Longitude: -102

Observed by: Susie
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