Migration in Southern Ontario

[dannus plex]

At Hawk Cliff today, 75 Monarchs move uninterrupted along the cliff top from 1:15-1:45.

[dannus plex]

Very little visible movement through Hawk Cliff today. A few dozen along cliff edge or over the water and several viewed skyward while watching raptors. 4 tagged. Still gathering a few larva.

[dannus plex]

Considering the low numbered returning population and the rapid re-population of the species early in the season, I am predicting a protracted non-dynamic migration through southwestern Ontario evolving over the next 3 weeks.

[dannus plex]

Migration through SW Ontario is picking up. Monarchs now spending more time nectaring on the plentiful Goldenrod which is now in 100% bloom. Today the specimens I tagged were much brighter than the ones I tagged in the past 3 days. And heavier. (I weigh them). Tagged 29 from 11:00 - 1:30.

[Mona Miller]

Thank you so much for letting us know what's going on in your area.

[dannus plex]

Thanks Mona. I am pleased to let my friends south of the border know what is coming their way.

[dannus plex]

Slower movement of Monarchs at Hawk Cliff today, mostly due to strong SW winds(30 kilometers/hr). The Monarchs moved inland, away from the cliff. Still heavily nectaring on Goldenrod. 34 tagged.

[Mona Miller]

I just found out you can follow Point Pelee National Park of Canada' count on Twitter. Diane Pruden posted the info on the Monarch Watch dplex-L email list serve.

http://www.pc.gc.ca/eng/pn-np/on/pelee/ ... weets.aspx

https://twitter.com/PointPeleeNP/

[dannus plex]

Point Pelee is the most southernly part of mainland Canada. I have seen roosts in the hundreds there. Roosts in the thousands have been reported in previous years. It will be interesting to follow the migration through Pelee during this tough year for the Monarchs.

[dannus plex]

Today at Hawk Cliff was much like yesterday as we had the same weather as yesterday. About 29 degrees, and strong S-SW winds at 30k/hr. Not really a visible movement of Monarchs, but we did manage to tag 10/hr X 3 hours. Not much movement with the raptors either.

[Mona Miller]

It is because of the direction of the wind. They usually ride on Northeast winds. That S SW wind would have stalled them.

[dannus plex]

Exactly, Mona. Same scenario today. Only hotter. Monarchs are heavily nectaring in the Goldenrod, not much movement in the air. I tagged 34.

[dannus plex]

The rain of yesterday led to the discovery of 10 roosts ranging from 15-100 Monarchs in each. Today, was a day of movement. Not much nectaring, but Monarchs at various altitudes in the sky, and along the cliff edge. 26 tagged.

[Mona Miller]

Amazing how they know that they need to get out of town and not wait. They are like little weather stations.

[dannus plex]

Things have slowed down for the last few days. Monarchs are still moving through SW Ontario, but less visible. Tagging completed. Rain for tomorrow and west winds for Wednesday.

[dannus plex]

800 Monarchs reported at Point Pelee National Park in SW Ontario, Canada. This is the most southern Canadian mainland.

[Mona Miller]

What's incredible is that some of the Monarchs are so high that people don't see them.

[dannus plex]

300 Monarchs through Hawk Cliff today, peaking at about 1:30. Very strong SW winds.

[dannus plex]

4 overnight roosts of 1o each
1 overnight roost of 25
1 overnight roost of 30
About 365 Monarchs passed through Hawk Cliff, near Port Stanley on the north shore of Lake Erie between 9:00 and 3:00 today.