Date: 10/05/2021

Number: 50

Peak migration appears to be in its second week here in Maryland. Ran out of 350 tags last week and could have probably tagged another 300+ if I had more tags. Great to see a very good migration year.

[Additional information contributed by observer, added by Journey North, 10/08/21]:

How they were counted. I have planted a row of Mexican Sunflowers that is about 12’ long. Also have a couple Butterfly Bushes at the end of the row. I start at one end of the row and walk down to the other end counting monarchs that are on the flowers getting nectar. The other day I counted 72. I think my reported sighting said 50+. So the number is pretty close to an actual count at a point in time.

Length of observation. It takes 2-3 minutes to walk the length of the row while you are counting butterflies. Length of time really dependent on number of Monarchs. The time of day that I see the most is late afternoon. I postulate they are trying to fill up with nectar just before they roost for the night.

Monarch activity observed. They are 4-7’ off the ground and nectaring on Mexican Sunflowers mostly. Our property is on Cobb Island next to the Potomac River so water is less than 20’ away.

Weather conditions. Best observations on warm sunny day with a light wind maybe 5-8 mph. I think the light breeze encourages them to hold on to the flowers. Also I notice a surge in migrating monarchs a day or two after a cold front has passes through the area.

Cobb Island, MD

Latitude: 38.3 Longitude: -76.9

Observed by: James
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