Date: 04/29/1997

Number: 1

They're here! My daughter spotted the first Monarch that we've seen this year yesterday (4/29/97). Kids notice everything! 8-) It was fluttering around flowering shrubs (Andromeda, forsythia, tree azalea) around 4:30PM. We didn't notice it nectaring or really lighting for long anywhere. It was quite warm - approx.68 F at that time. It also seemed interested in the phlox, which are just coming into bloom. (The forsythia is flowering and it seems that I remember that being a signal for last year's first arrival.) Our milkweed hasn't sprouted up yet. I expect to see those green shoots anyday! It's possible that they have begun to see milkweek nearer the coast, but we're in northwest RI. What a refreshing sight after a long winter!! I couldn't get close enough to tell if it was male or female.
Courtesy of Monarch Watch Monarch Watch

Smithfield, RI

Latitude: 41.9 Longitude: -71.5

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