Date: 04/02/2024

Number: 16

A fresh influx of monarchs was here today. I went walking about from noon to 1:20 pm and saw at least 16 individual monarchs. It was 76 degrees F, sunny, 39% humidity, with strong winds from the NW. The wind didn't hamper the monarchs, who sailed about (using it for lift) and fluttered easily against it.

I observed at least seven egg-laying females. They at times nectared from the milkweed blossoms or yellow thistles. Sometimes they ducked down, closed their wings, and hid from patrolling males who always seemed to be flying by. There were several females who had very faded and/or tattered wings. All flew fine and were active in milkweed checking and egg-laying.

The males were flying, checking milkweed and wildflower areas, nectaring on milkweed blossoms & yellow thistles, and finding females to chase. I always hope I can get a photo before a male shows up.

At one point a mated pair flew past me and went to the leaves of a nearby tree. I will add their photo to a Monarch (OTHER Observations) report.

This is one of the monarch females as she lays an egg on a milkweed plant (Asclepias viridis) today. She had lost a portion of her left wing, but flew quite well in the gusty wind. A joy to have her and all the monarchs visiting here!

Montgomery, TX

Latitude: 30.4 Longitude: -95.8

Observed by: Kathy
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