Date: 10/08/2024

Number: 4

Arrived to the tip area of Point Pelee National Park approximately 18:20. Conditions according to the weather app on my telephone at 18:11: mostly cloudy and 17°C, windchill of 15°C, wind south 226° at 13 km/h with gusts to 19 km/h, humidity 52%, dewpoint 7°C, barometric pressure 101 kPa and falling. Checked the Hackberry tree behind the washroom but it appeared empty (see October 7 report.) Initially, I thought with the west wind all day, the Monarchs would be on the east side. When I arrived to the tip, the wind seemed to be more south than west. I discounted looking on the east beach because I thought the Monarchs would have moved to the interior with the south wind blowing the trees on the east beach. After an extensive search of the interior tip area without any luck, I headed towards the east side. Watched one Monarch blown out of its perch on the east beach, try to relocate itself. I was not able to see where it ended up. I quickly made my way north to where the beach is safely accessible. After making my way back south to where I had seen the Monarchs on October 7, the daylight was waning. Checked the trees where they had been on the 7th. Was able to locate two in the exact same spot where I last saw them on the 7th. The individual pictured in this Hackberry was sitting curiously with its wings open. I don’t normally see this behaviour unless they are trying to warm themselves in the sun. It had an eastern exposure and the sun was minutes from setting.
Very few nectar sources in the tip area. North west wind continues again tomorrow through the day.

Point Pelee National Park, ON

Latitude: 41.9 Longitude: -82.5

Observed by: Laura
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