Incredible Day- 10-05-04

[MonarchMom]

Last week we had some northerly fronts move in, and I was thrilled to count at least 8-10 Monarchs at one time nectaring. Early this A.M., like golden raindrops falling from the sky, 1,2, up to 20 Monarchs started showing up. By early afternoon, I counted 30 at one time. Later this afternoon, I counted 50+ Monarchs! Sometimes there were 1,2, or 3 per flower, nectaring heavily. Some were not willing to move, and fought with others to hold their place. While others would just pick a spot, and just hang onto the flower feeding for long periods. Most heavily used were Mexican sunflower, Mexican flame vine, Salvia Indigo Spires, LIR salvia, Pentas, butterfly bushes, zinnias, and Gregg's mist flowers. At dusk, 4 were still feeding. I don't have anything to compare to as I expanded my Bf garden last fall. But today I felt like I had died and gone to heaven. I have raised and tagged 35, and tagged another 15. Wish I had ordered more tags. Temps 80 - Light southery breeze - high pressure.
KIngfisher, Okla. Lat: 35.9139 Long: -98.0227
Contributed to Journey North.