Peak migration dates (when to tag)

[Sandwhy]

Here's a clue as to when to tag in your area:

http://www.monarchwatch.org/tagmig/peak.html

Also, Journey North online tracks yearly spring/fall migration:

http://www.learner.org/jnorth/tm/monarc ... 007SL.html


Happy tagging!!!


Sandy

[10kzoomfz]

Thanks Sandy for the links.

My ordered tags should be in the mail and it's valuable info for my tagging decision.

Judging by information, for my New England area (Lat. 42.74N) (New Ipswich, NH) there could be one more generation to go to get this years "flyers", but only if eggs were laid this week. I have only released 6 adults so far (latest two yesterday - m and f) but have 41 chrysalis in the wings (pun?), that will all be adults between 6 days and 2 weeks** from now. That would seem to be enough time for another generation of "flyers", but cutting it kind of close. Plus, still feeding at least 15 to 20 more and assume perhaps a dozen more 4th or 5th instar will be harvested in the coming weeks. I'm still not sure but perhaps I will start tagging (assuming the packet arrives) any releasing butterflies from August 18th onward. Any input welcome.
(Side note: This season, oddly I still have only seen about 5 or 6 Monarch Butterflies and only in my immediate area. For all I know most could have been the few I have released.

**One note from last years experience: Many of my chrysalis took a full two weeks and I had two or three chrysali (a legitimate word?) hanging for three weeks; with one for four weeks. I was informed during the period that they were likely dead and to discard them. Instead I just left them alone as long as they didn't look as if rotting (and explode as I was warned this does sometimes happen) and they all eventually emerged as healthy butterflies. What are the odds? Go figure! Perhaps the uncontrolled temperature and humidity of my cabin towards the beginning of September along with other unknown factors were the cause. I'm speculating.

However, what (right now) appears (might) have been a peak in harvesting activity these ten days, I can't see getting half this amount ready as "flyers" unless I start "searching" for eggs to save. Perhaps it's natures way to have an abundance of third gen. to insure enough "flyers" in the fourth gen. for a species continuation. All speculation (again) on my part. Up until now I have only been saving cats from the fields.


And the milk weed plants are starting to show signs of deterioration. I guess that's always a problem towards the fall. I do remember being a little concerned last year towards the end. I did start this years gathering a bit earlier than last and also my releases last year were small but constant for an overall total 49 right up to mid September. This year I can imagine releasing scores at a time the way things are looking.

[Andrea]

Sandy,

Thank you for the link,too! I just put in my order for 50 tags and finally ordered my monarch waystation sign.

Andrea.

[Sandwhy]

10kzoom - I'm in the same boat as you. I have several chrysalides that I am wondering if I should tag or not once they eclose - as peak migration in the Chicago area is not until mid-September. I'm also going on vacation for a week near the end of the month, so rearing more eggs/cats at this point is not feasible. I suppose there would be time for one more generation, but who can know for sure? And, of course, I do have my net - so could wait for an influx of adults to pass by on their way south... but this did not happen in my yard/neighborhood last year - so I fear I would be taking a chance.

Interesting about the chrysalis that lasted 4 weeks before eclosion!??!! Wow.

Andrea - you're welcome!

Sandy