Sightings

[mflutterby]

I noticed that there were several monarchs in the neighborhood fueling up on the butterfly bush nectar. I saw them 9/24-25. There were some yesterday and just a few today. Where would they roost before they head to Mexico. There is a huge oak tree that I thought I could see something orange, maybe it is the leaves changing. Anyhow, I wondered where they would be roosting and is it only at night that they roost?

[Mona Miller]

They use all kinds of trees along their journey. I've even seen them bedding down in Bradford Pear. They bed down in the evening when the sun goes down and are up and off usually by 9 AM unless the wind is going the wrong direction. They need a good North East wind to carry them up, up and away. If the wind is blowing south that stalls them, they will hang out in the area and nectar until the wind changes.

[mflutterby]

Yesterday there were so many monarchs in our community. It was really a wonderful sight. I imagine this was part of the migration. Will this wave of monarchs lay eggs or are they primarily fueling up for the trip?

[Mona Miller]

Some are still reproductive, but most are in diapause. You still may see some having sex, but most will not lay eggs until next spring.

[jturk3]

I hand caught a female monarch on Mexican sunflower on Sunday 10/17/10 in my backyard in Centreville, VA. I have never seen a monarch in Northern VA this late. She looked healthy enough but a bit worn. I long since used up my tags but she is on her way south.

[Mona Miller]

I'm still seeing them in Herndon and Vienna, VA. I had some a couple years ago that I ended up mailing to Virginia Beach on November 4. VA Beach doesn't get heavy frost.