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Migrating Monarchs

2007.09.26

This poor Monarach don't make the journey as I found this one washed up on the sand

In coastal New Jersey, the coming of Fall is preceded by thousands of Monarch butterflies. Last weekend I noticed hundreds of monarchs flying south along the beach. They fly down the coast and gather in numbers at Cape May, NJ resting before crossing the Delaware Bay on their trip south to Mexico. Peak migration should be for the next few weeks.

Unlike most other insects in temperate climates, Monarch butterflies cannot survive a long cold winter. Instead, they spend the winter in roosting spots. Monarchs west of the Rocky Mountains travel to small groves of trees along the California coast. Those east of the Rocky Mountains fly farther south to the forests high in the mountains of Mexico. The monarch's migration is driven by seasonal changes. Daylength and temperature changes influence the movement of the Monarch.

In all the world, no butterflies migrate like the Monarchs of North America. They travel much farther than all other tropical butterflies, up to three thousand miles. They are the only butterflies to make such a long, two way migration every year. Amazingly, they fly in masses to the same winter roosts, often to the exact same trees. Their migration is more the type we expect from birds or whales. However, unlike birds and whales, individuals only make the round-trip once. It is their children's grandchildren that return south the following fall.

26 Comments

amazing detail! incredible set, just beautiful

jaybird33417 · 2007-09-26: 06:15

very nice!

nasser · 2007-09-26: 06:31

Absolutely beautiful!!

Najeli · 2007-09-26: 07:09

Great shots and love the info. If I were a Monarch Butterfly I guess I would be skinny and dead! lol

tbranscum · 2007-09-26: 07:27

Beautiful !!

Miraj · 2007-09-26: 08:25

GORGEOUS shots. the colors are so vibrant and fantastic. thank you for the info - and you're right - this is truly and amazing sight! thank you for sharing.

MidsummerSilence · 2007-09-26: 08:49