FROM THE CAPE MAY NATURAL HISTORY & EVENTS HOTLINE: A major coldfront at the end of September with winds from the north and northwest triggered one of the most dramatic MONARCH concentrations in several years. By 2 p.m. on September 28 bushes in the dunes at Cape May Point were vibrating with roosting Monarchs that had settled in and stopped migrating because of the strong winds. That evening and dawn the following day (September 29) were times to remember. Pooled sightings documented at least 70,000 Monarchs roosting at 3 different locations: the undeveloped dune forest at Stone Harbor Point, the dunes and backyards in Cape May Point, and the stands of Red Cedars at East Point (in Cumberland County). There were no doubt many more Monarchs in South Jersey than those 70,000, since many other coastal stands of native vegetation were not checked for roosting Monarchs. The coldfront was followed by Indian Summer temperatures and winds from the wrong direction, winds that do not aide migration. The result has been lingering Monarchs in gardens the last three days (Oct. 2-4).

Now in its 10th year, this annual migration census is providing a long-term record of migration patterns at this migration hotspot. Located at the tip of a peninsula, monarchs congregate here in high numbers to avoid the over-water crossing. Learn more at the Cape May Monarch Census Web site.