Date: 04/06/2021

Number: 21

I only went around briefly at times today but saw continuing monarch activity each time out: flying, milkweed seeking/egg-laying, males chasing females, and mating. They were doing a lot of nectaring, especially from the blooming thistles. Disputes happened at times, but a quick fluttering of the wings and a refusal to move from the "nectar fountain" usually would dissuade the interloper. Thankfully, the thistles are abundant right now, so a lot to choose from.

A few times I saw female monarchs nectaring from the thistles. As they can be spotted by males, who "patrol" the thistles, the females tend to choose less conspicuous nectar plants. But today I was glad to see some females taking their chances and getting the nutritious nectar.

It was a day in the high 70's, cloudy mostly, quite breezy, with high humidity. In the afternoon we had a light rain shower. Overall, very good monarch butterfly weather.

This is a photo of a lovely female monarch nectaring from a yellow thistle this morning ~ she’s nicely pollen covered.

Montgomery, TX

Latitude: 30.4 Longitude: -95.8

Observed by: Kathy
Contact Observer

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