Date: 09/05/2021

Number: 50

Many adult butterflies seen along Creek Road heading in Southwesterly direction

[Report moved from Monarch Adult Sighted to Monarch PEAK Migration by Journey North, 09/08/21; additional information contributed by observer, added by Journey North, 09/08/21]:
I don't remember seeing so many butterflies in the past and was wondering if they were a bit off course because of Hurricane Ida.
Creek Road is a narrow stretch between the LI Sound and a marsh. All butterflies were traveling in a Westerly direction basically following the shoreline. Some paused on the sand before crossing the creek and then they continued on the other side of the creek along the shore.
Time of day: Thirty minute walk...about 1/2 mile each way. This was between 10:30 am and 11:00 am.
Number estimate: It was pretty much a guesstimate. Today (9/08/21) there weren't half as many as I saw the day I reported to you (9/05/21). Based on my count today (23) one way, I am thinking the number had to be double what I reported to you (9/5/21). Everywhere I looked I saw butterflies on 9/5/21. They were all flying generally in a Westerly direction. Some were my height (5" 7") and others were higher...up to 20 feet. Some stopped to nectar. Unfortunately, I don't know the name of the bush (low, woody bush) but I did get a picture this morning for you.

Wading River, NY

Latitude: 41 Longitude: -72.9

Observed by: Patricia
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