Date: 09/20/2021

Number: 25

Too many monarchs to count in the hayfield today. Sipping on the clover blossoms in very very high numbers at 5pm.

[Report moved from Monarch PEAK Migration to Monarch Adult Sighted; additional information contributed by observer, added by Journey North, 09/22/21]:

The monarchs were observed all at the same time, from 4:30 - 5:15 pm, in the same area. Monarchs were nectaring, no directional flight. Warm and sunny (borderline HOT!) No wind I can recall.

We went for a walk in the hayfield for about 40 minutes and they were present, plentiful, and active the entire time. I have a 12 acre hayfield that is FULL of clover and alfalfa in flower right now (apparently no third cutting this year!) I mow a path in a loop around the field. We walked that loop and saw them all. The whole time we were out. They were most abundant and concentrated in the three acres on the south portion of the field, which has the most clover and alfalfa in flower, and the most sun.

This was the first year seeing this at the farm. In writing to you I am realizing it's because we didn't take a third cutting of hay, and all these delicious flowers were there to offer food, and haven't been in previous year! I think I may take the financial loss in the future and avoid a third cut of hay just to have food for the butterflies. I also have a pollinator rain garden and a ton (TON) of different goldenrods near this field, and a small prairie nearby too.

Orfordville, WI

Latitude: 42.6 Longitude: -89.1

Observed by: Vanessa
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