Date: 10/22/2025

Number: 32

Arrived late to the tip area of Point Pelee National Park at approximately 10:50 October 23. Wind WNW 27 km/h gusts to 40 km/h, temperature 9°C, windchill 3°C. With the forecast temperature, I did not expect that there would be any activity. However, the temperature reading on my vehicle was 10°C. Starting at the tip and walking northward on the east side, intent on examining the roosts where I left the Monarchs on the 22nd. Within metres I stirred up two Monarchs in the sand. Some had clearly left their roosts. Made my way more carefully along as every stirred up Monarch had to fight the strong west wind once they left the wind shadow where they were settled. It was mostly cloudy but when the sun shone on them, some were testing the wind. I watched four individuals carried westward out over Lake Erie to an uncertain end. There is no land due west of the tip of Point Pelee and the wind was too strong for them to fight it. Many others struggled and were able to make it to the shelter of the sand. Watched one perish as it fell into the lake. Visitors to the Park were unintentionally disturbing the Monarchs to cause this chain of events. I did my best to educate the people who were willing to learn. There are no nectar sources here. These Monarchs will have to survive here and during their crossing of Lake Erie on the fat reserves they accumulated before their arrival here. The forecast models do not look good as this intense West wind is expected to last into next week. Was able to locate about 16 individuals still in the roosts where they were located yesterday. Some of these are included in the photograph above. All individuals located in Mulberry trees. Observations with binoculars and the naked eye. Ceased observations at 13:00. Wind forecast for the rest of the day to be between 19 to 35 km/h from W to WNW.
Forecast high 11°C, low 7°C with a windchill of 0°. There may be a moderating temperature effect where the Monarchs are located caused by the surrounding waters of Lake Erie.

Leamington, ON

Latitude: 41.9 Longitude: -82.5

Observed by: Laura
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