Date: 07/12/1998

Number: 1

At about 4:00 a monarch butterfly with faded wings flew past the hanger at the York Soaring Association glider field. The butterfly was flying at 1 - 2 m and had a NW bearing. The wind (measured on 10 m tower) was NW with a velocity of 6-8 kts. Wind velocity would have been less at 1 - 2 m. Temperature was about 25C. Humidity was high and there was broken overcast. A second monarch butterfly, also with faded wings, and also flying at 1 - 2 m, flew past the hanger on a W bearing at 5:26. Wind (at 10 m) was NW at 10 kts. Both butterflies had been flapping vigorously and 'bouncing' from side to side and up and down as they pressed on in gusty headwind/crosswind conditions. Both individuals were watched until they they vanished. Patches of milkweed (A. syriaca) are common at unmowed areas of the gliderfield, including the vicinity of the hanger.

Arthur, ON

Latitude: 43.5 Longitude: -80.3

Observed by: David
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