Date: 03/14/2024

Number: 10

Today I saw a new influx of monarchs, observing at least 10 individuals (6 females, 4 males). The monarchs had varying degrees of fading and/or tattering of their wings. There are plenty of fresh milkweed (Asclepias viridis) and nectar flowers for the monarchs.

At 9:30am it was 72 degrees F, cloudy/overcast, 90% humidity, with wind 10 mph from the SE. At that time, I saw three egg-laying females, who at times sunbathed and nectared from yellow thistles.

From 10:30am to 11:15am I went back out to observe. It was 74 degrees F, cloudy w/some sun, 84% humidity, with wind 14 mph from the SE (very gusty). During that time, I saw six female monarchs & two male monarchs. The females were checking milkweed, egg-laying, resting/sunbathing, and in a few instances nectaring from yellow thistles. The males were flying, nectaring, and sunbathing. One of the females I was closely observing/following eventually got pursued by a male. They both went high upwards in a swirling pattern, then she dove back down & ended up eluding him. She went back to egg-laying.

Later in the afternoon, I went back out observing a few times. The temperature continued in the 70's and very windy. I saw more egg-laying activity and another instance of a male pursuing a female ~ with again no capture. I also saw three male monarchs nectaring at one large multi-flowered yellow thistle. In addition, a 4th male kept patrolling the area and did little raids on the three who were nectaring ~ usually they stuck to the nectar fountain.

This photo shows one of the female monarchs I saw today. She was laying eggs and resting/sunning at times. It was early and overcast. Here she is momentarily resting after laying several eggs on nearby plants (one egg can be seen on the little milkweed below her). I was so impressed by this intrepid monarch with her quite torn & faded wings ~ having journeyed from the wonderful forest sanctuaries of Mexico. So much thankfulness for the monarchs and the people who care for them.

Montgomery, TX

Latitude: 30.4 Longitude: -95.8

Observed by: Kathy
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