Date: 09/30/2023

Number: 10

Ten monarchs spotted, mostly males with two females of larger size, intensely nectaring on zinnia in the Hopkins Family Gardens.

Stragglers far behind the leading edge? Little wonder

Heavy rains of the past few days probably prompted this stop over today, to refuel and gain weight after almost a week of wet warm Minnesota weather, following a summer of severe drought.

Abdomens appeared slender, but wings were in good condition with social behavior with this group staying in the same area as others as they visited flower patches. A bit hypervigilant to human approach for photos. LOL.

Temperature was 81 at 12:40 pm, with winds from the south at 8 mph, dewpoint was 67 F, and relative humidity was 57%. Open field with edge woods. A female was seen using leeward side of oak trees to rest in between visits to the gardens to feed.

Video link:
https://youtu.be/Zgm64cjV7zk

Hopkins, MN

Latitude: 44.9 Longitude: -93.4

Observed by: Patti
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