Saturday, October 31, 2009

Where are the Monarchs?

Daytona Beach, FL
29 09.28 N 080 58.55 W

Where are the monarch butterflies? In August I saw a news item in Vermont saying that sightings of monarch butterflies are non-existent or greatly diminished this year. That sensitized me to keep a watch.

In past years, as we migrated south down the east coast, we sighted monarchs almost every day. Even out at sea we saw monarchs. I remember in particular the sad case of a monarch I saw at sea. He or she was trying mightily to fly to Tarwathie. But he or she was loosing altitude by the second. Finally, the poor thing hit the water and drowned just one or two meters away from the safe haven of the boat.

This year, since being sensitized, I've spotted zero monarch butterflies. What is your experience? Have you seen them? Are there more media articles about their fate? I'd like to know.

p.s. Today is a really beautiful Florida day. Tonight we're going out to diner with high school classmates from Fayetteville-Manlius. I'll write about it tomorrow.

2 comments:

  1. Tarwathie Tarwathie Calypso Calypso! We have seen monarchs almost every day, on the ICW or at sea, though usually only one or two. They have been a pleasant sight and we will keep eyes peeled more now.

    We are hoping to head offshore today from Port Royal Sound and be in Florida tomorrow sometime. It is likely we will catch up to you in Vero Beach.

    Turkey Shoot Regatta was wonderful (they much appreciated your donation) and maybe we can talk you into sticking around north for it next year.

    Cheers,
    Nica and Jeremy, Julian and Maddie

    ReplyDelete
  2. Viking Rose in New Bern for November but on our passage south recently we have not seen the Monarchs, but have in the past. Always worry about the bees,the butterflies, the fish and the birds.
    Safe Travels,
    Penny and Richard and Otis

    ReplyDelete

Type your comments here.

Note: Only a member of this blog may post a comment.