2012 Larvae Sightings in Welland, Ontario

[keithmac]

I am trying to determine where we are wrt to the Monarch cycle in this area. There are lots of milkweed (common and swamp). They are in various stages of development from just starting to flower to producing pods. I have been looking for the last couple of weeks and have found a few eggs only. Brought 3 eggs home and only one made it.
We moved here last year from Chatham, Ontario. I brought some plants with me. On Jul.02, I saw my first monarch of the season in our back yard. Most of her colours were faded so I am guessing she was near the end of her cycle laying eggs. Have seen only one more since in this whole area while driving, biking and walking around looking for them.
I think I remember a much earlier seasonal start in Chatham.
Has something happened to them this year as far as a decline in numbers?
Has something happened in the migration to slow their arrival here?
I have been interested in Monarchs now since 2009.
What other experiences are Monarch addicts having in this Niagara escarpment area?
Thanks for your support.

[Mona Miller]

You can check on Journey North, it's a drop down list and you select the category.
http://www.learner.org/jnorth/maps/Sightings_All.html

Also check out ebutterfly for Canada. It's a place to post and look up sightings of Monarchs and other species.
http://ebutterfly.ca/

[keithmac]

Thanks for the site info. I had it bookmarked but there wasn't too many observers from this area.
I spent most of yesterday riding my bike along the Welland canal heading towards Lake Ontario. It is a fairly wild growing area with lots of milkweed. (2 varieties that I noticed). I only found eggs. Saw one emerging instar and one adult in 27 miles of travel. No cats. Seems strange unless I am missing something about this years migration and breeding.