Texas is the only state all monarchs must cross, and the first big masses of Mexico-bound monarchs have now reached the state. Tens, dozens, hundreds — even thousands — of monarchs are filling the skies, trees and fields across the northern half of the state.

Reports are flying in as I write — and from Oklahoma and Arkansas, too, as monarchs there funnel toward Texas on their way to Mexico. The flood gate opened after the cold front passed on Monday, October 8th. Strong south winds are predicted for much of Texas this weekend so the monarchs should drop down and wait out the wind. The stage is set for the perfect monarch-watching weekend!

• Take a minute to read the comments from those who are there: >>

Migration Flyways in Texas
The map to the right shows the traditional migration flyways across Texas. Are this year's monarchs going the right way?

• Check it out! >>

Also Carried by the Wind: Baby Spiders
Monarchs are not the only ones that use the wind to travel. Across Texas and Oklahoma, baby orb spiders set sail last week on wisps of silk. The spiders were in search of their own place to live and grow, and Monarchs got in their way:

"Monarchs flying into our yard and roosting in our trees. We observed at least 200 to 300 hundred monarchs flying into our yard and roosting in our trees. Some were trailing strands of what looked like spiderweb." said an Oklahoma observer.

• Carried by the Wind: Monarchs and Spiders >>

Northern Mexico:
"Quiero reportar que el viernes vi a una monarca volando muy bajo," began an observer in Mexico.

• Rocio Trevino reports from Saltillo, Coahuila, Mexico >>

From the Finish Line in Mexico:
Estela Romero is watching and waiting for the first monarchs to arrive. There's no sign of them yet...

• Estela Romero reports from Angangueo, Michoacan, Mexico. >>

October 8, 2007
This week's cold front sent monarchs sailing into Texas.

Migation flyways in Texas >>

Who would guess?
Spider silk is one of the dangers monarchs can face during migration. >>

Migration Rate Math

• This Week's Sightings

Who will see the record flight for fall 2007?