Date: 09/03/2022

Number: 40

I have been enjoying many monarchs on our farm for several days. I also observed a similar number at our friend’s farm 5 miles north of us.

[Additional information contributed by observer, added by Journey North, 09/06/2022]:

I noticed higher numbers of monarchs on our farm property September 3, 4 & 5. Today (9/6/22) I observed only about 12 in my yard.

We have 240 acres on our farm and have several prairie & pollinator restoration areas totaling nearly 20 acres. Currently we have mostly goldenrod and sunflowers blooming, with some asters starting to open up. I also have salvia, zinnias and tithonia (Mexican sunflowers) blooming near our house.

Lows have been around 60 degrees F. and winds have been light out of the E/SE at 5-10 mph.

Near our house the monarchs seemed to prefer spruce and junipers, and along our timber/prairie area they were mostly in hackberry and other deciduous trees. These trees did offer protection from the wind. In past years, I have seen them roost in maple trees near the house.

I drove along our lane in my ATV and estimated the number of monarchs that fluttered out of the trees as I drove by. There certainly could have been more monarchs that remained perched.

The first day (Sept 3) I spent about a half hour driving around the property in the morning (approx. 9:00 a.m.). The second and third days I mostly observed activity in the yard throughout the day. On the third day (Sept. 5) I walked near the spruce trees in the yard and watched (and photographed) the butterflies for over an hour (late afternoon around 4:00 p.m.)

Perry, IA

Latitude: 41.9 Longitude: -94.2

Observed by: Colleen
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