Date: 09/19/1997

Number: 1

This Friday was a superb day for observing monarchs on the move. They were everywhere across central Iowa. The weather to the north was cooling down, and the monarchs clearly were picking up the pace of their migration. During a count of two hours at Chichaqua wildlife area in Polk County northeast of Des Moines, 840 monarchs were observed--passing by the site overhead at the rate of 420 an hour. The sky varied from cloudy to clearing during that time, and the shadows of the monarchs passing overhead was a sight to behold. Some of the monarchs were flying hurriedly; others were riding the drafts of wind for long distances. Some seemed to be traveling in pairs, some in clusters of 8 to 10, and some alone.

Des Moines, IA

Latitude: 41.6 Longitude: -93.6

Observed by: Robert
Contact Observer

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