Tagging Wild Monarchs

[psi_chemie]

Well, this evening was a great day for tagging. I am getting really good at using the net and getting the butterfly subdued quickly and gently, getting the tag on quick, solid and with minimal disturbance.

But am I tagging too early? A lot of the monarchs in "my" field are still mating. Also, today, I found two 'flies I tagged on Tuesday, healthy as can be, but still in my field! Does this mean I have just tagged 30 non-migratory monarchs this week??? Should I stop and wait now? How can you tell? I avoid females that are obviously laying eggs and butterflies that are mating, and try and catch only the most sprightly, freshest individuals, but are they migratory??

Location: near I-35 and 69 highway intersect, Lenexa, KS 66214

[Jim]

Actually, we are moving right into the migration here in NE Kansas so now is a good time to tag. In last month's Monarch Watch Email Update (our monthly eNewsletter) Chip told everyone to begin tagging a bit early - if you missed the article you can read it here:

http://www.monarchwatch.org/update/2005/0830.html#2

BTW - since you're only about 30 minutes away from us feel free to stop on by and say "Hi" at our Open House Event this Saturday (the 10th):

http://www.monarchwatch.org/openhouse/

and/or join us for a Monarch Tagging Event on the 17th:

http://www.monarchwatch.org/wetlands/

Happy Tagging!

[Teresa]

I wish I only lived 30 min from there, i'd be there every day. hehehe