Journey
North's Monarch Butterfly Migration Tracking Project
Help track the monarch butterfly migration each fall and spring
as the butterflies travel to and from Mexico. Report your own
observations of migrating butterflies to real-time migration maps. Welcome
to New Participants!
Get
Started Background information and guided tour
for tracking monarch migration.
FAQ
Questions
asked by students and answered by the monarch butterfly
expert
The
Monarchs are Now at Their Winter Home in Mexico!
This
map shows the monarch's 12 major overwintering sites
in Mexico.
February
8: 2010: NEWS ALERT:Disastrous flood strikes Angangueo.
After extreme rainfall in central Mexico, a disastrous
flood struck the mountain town of Angangueo, Michoacan.
This little town—which is located at the center
of the monarch butterfly overwintering region—sustained
extensive material damage and even human loss. Please
watch for further news about how to send disaster
relief to our friends in Angangueo and the surrounding
communities.
February
4: 2010: Welcome to Journey North's 17th season.
Three months ago, the first monarchs reached their
winter home in Mexico after a long, fall migration.
How many monarchs made it to Mexico — and how
are the butterflies doing? This week, explore the
population data scientists have just collected. Find
out how scientists measure the size of the monarch
population and what the data means for conservation.
Seeing
Winter Monarchs?
All monarch butterflies do not migrate to Mexico.
Please report your Winter Monarch Butterfly Sightings
now...
News:
Spring 2010 Posted
Thursdays:
Feb. 4, 11, 18, 25, Mar. 4, 11, 18, 25, Apr. 1, 8, 15, 22,
29, May 6, 13, 20, 27, ...and weekly until the migration is
complete!
News
Alert: Disaster in Angangueo: February 8, 2010
After extreme rainfall in central Mexico, a disastrous flood
struck the mountain town of Angangueo, Michoacan. This little
town—which is located at the center of the monarch butterfly
overwintering region—sustained extensive material damage
and even human loss. Please watch for further news about how
to send disaster relief to our friends in Angangueo and the
surrounding communities.
Monarch
Butterfly Migration Update: February 4, 2010
Welcome to Journey North's 17th season! Three months ago,
the first monarchs reached their winter home in Mexico after
a long, fall migration. How many monarchs made it to Mexico
— and how are the butterflies doing? This week, explore
the population data scientists have just collected. Find out
how scientists measure the size of the monarch population
and what the data means for conservation. Photo:
Dr. Lincoln Brower, Sweet Briar College
Welcome
to Journey North's spring monarch migration season! Starts
February 4, 2010
Winter:
We begin each year while the monarchs are still
at the overwintering sites, deep in central Mexico. The
monarch’s story of survival during the winter months
in Mexico is as spectacular as their incredible migration.
During the first weeks, we’ll look at the monarch’s
winter habitat and their adaptations for survival. Spring:
Get ready to track the migration! The monarchs
head north in March. Find out how to report your sightings
and track the migration on real-time migration maps.
News:
Fall 2009 Posted
Thursdays:
Aug. 27,
Sep. 3, 10, 17, 24, Oct. 1, 8, 15, 22, 29, Nov. 5....or weekly
until the first monarchs arrive in Mexico!
FINAL
Monarch Butterfly Migration Update: November 12, 2009
The long journey south is coming to a close, as millions of
monarchs reach the winter sanctuaries in Mexico. People point
to the sky as they welcome the butterflies. "¡Bienvenidos
monarcas!" they say in Mexico. This is a time of celebration!
Imagine the stories these butterflies could tell. Each began
life as a tiny egg. Think of the challenges they've overcome
and the distances they've traveled! Image:
Felipe Martinez, RBMM
News
Flash: Monarchs Reach Winter Home in Mexico!
This news just in: The monarchs arrived in large numbers yesterday
at Mexico's winter sanctuary region. The news was announced
by biologist Eduardo Rendon. "Today, all of the roads
that lead to the Monarch Reserve are full of butterflies."
We'll be back next week with our final migration update of
the season. Meanwhile, picture millions of monarchs flying
across the finish line as they complete their long migration.
Congratulations, monarchs!
Monarch
Butterfly Migration Update: November 5, 2009
We expect to have news any moment that monarchs have arrived
by the millions at their winter home in Mexico. There they'll
spend the winter--together--in an astonishingly small region.
What conditions make the habitat in this region ideal for
monarch survival? In this week's slideshow, find out what
scientists are learning about the unique microclimate of the
monarch overwintering region. Image:
NASA
Monarch
Butterfly Migration Update: October 29, 2009
For the past week, monarchs have been crossing northern Mexico
in higher numbers than have been seen for years. Across which
Mexican states do the monarchs travel in Mexico? Explore a
map of the probable migration pathway and see why Dr. Calvert
says it's "delightfully confusing." This week's
slideshow features the holiday people in Mexico celebrate
at this time of year, as the monarchs arrive. Photo:
Rocio Trevino, age 10.
Monarch
Butterfly Migration Update: October 22, 2009
Monarchs are crossing northern Mexico by the thousands now.
From her state of Coahulia, Rocio Trevino observed 3,200 monarchs
per hour. What does the landscape look like in northern Mexico?
This week, take a tour of the migration trail with the pictures
on Google maps. Photo:
Rocio Trevino
Monarch
Butterfly Migration Update: October 15, 2009
Monarchs are on the move in Texas and Arkansas, but it has
been curiously quiet in northern Mexico. Are the monarchs
late or traveling a different route? High migration rates
were reported on the Atlantic Coast. Why did a Florida Gulf
Coast sighting raise questions? Also this week, explore migration
patterns across the Southwest United States. Where do you
predict a monarch in Arizona would go for the winter?Photo:
Marceline Vandewater
Monarch
Butterfly Migration Update: October 8, 2009
Monarchs were moving down the Atlantic Coast this week in
the largest numbers of the season. A second wave moved has
out of the Great Lakes and down the Ohio River Valley. All
are headed toward Texas then into Mexico. Our reporter at
the overwintering sites says everybody's watching and waiting!
Meanwhile, this fall's most frigid tempeartures are spreading
across the continent. How does temperature affect fall migration?
Find out!
Monarch
Butterfly Migration Update: October 1, 2009
The geography of our continent is clearly steering the migration
now. Butterflies from east to west must cross the southern
Great Plains as they head toward their entry point to Mexico.
Texas is the gateway state. Look at a map and see its central
importance. This week, scientists announced a new discovery:
the monarch's navigation system is based in the antennae!
Explore the mysteries of monarch navigation.
Photo: Elizabeth Howard
Monarch
Butterfly Migration Update: September 24, 2009
A clear wave of migration moved into Mid-Atlantic States this
week, and monarchs are traveling an unusual pathway in the
Great Plains. What caused this change and what will happen
next? Also this week: Read true stories about tagged monarch
butterflies and explore what tagging reveals about monarchs
and their amazing journeys.
Photo: Tom Murphy
Monarch
Butterfly Migration Update: September 17, 2009
The monarchs cruised into Kansas this week. Samual counted
1,018 monarchs in 1 hour and 20 minutes, all headed south.
"It was totally amazing!!!" This week, learn how
standard units of measurement help us make sense of migration
data. Read this week's observation reports from citizen scientists
and see how to count monarchs per hour (or monarchs per minute).
When you report your own monarch observations, don't forget
to tell us how long you were watching!
Monarch
Butterfly Migration Update: September 10, 2009
Look at the animated migration map and you will plainly see,
the monarchs are moving toward their winter home in Mexico.
This week's southernmost roost was reported in Kansas, only
1,350 miles from the finish line. Also this week, what can
you learn from a single sighting on a bridge over Lake Michigan?
What does the map of Great Lakes sightings reveal? Notice
how observations lead to questions. This is one of the values
of citizen science.
Monarch
Butterfly Migration Update: September 3, 2009
Spectacular roosts were reported in Nebraska this week. With
tens of thousands of butterflies, they were the largest yet
of the season. Both roosts were found beside blooming alfalfa
fields, a welcome source of nectar for migrating monarchs
who are traveling through a sea of cropland. Early arrivals
continue to be reported from the south. Also being sighted
are Queen butterflies, a Monarch relative and look-alike.
Can you distinguish a Monarch butterfly from a Queen?
Monarch
Butterfly Migration Update: August 27, 2009
The migration to Mexico is underway! Please help track the
monarch's journey. Watch for monarchs that are flying, resting
and refueling. It's only August, but people are reporting
clear signs of fall monarch migration. Why do you think monarch
migration begins now? Why don't the monarchs stick around
for the last weeks of summer? When, where, and how will monarchs
find the habitat they need to survive? You're about to find
out! Photo: Vincent Burrola
Welcome
and Orientation Beginning Thursday, August 27th,
weekly FALL MIGRATION UPDATES will be posted
here every Thursday, from September to November. (See schedule
above.) Get
ready to track the migration to Mexico. Find out how to
report your sightings and track the migration on real-time
migration maps. >>
News:
Spring 2009 Posted
Thursdays:
Feb. 5, 12, 19, 26, Mar. 5, 12, 19, 26, Apr. 2, 9, 16, 23,
30, May 7, 14, 21, 28, ...and weekly until the migration is
complete!
Monarch
Butterfly Migration Update: June 11, 2009 Cloudy, cold, windy and rainy...that's the weather
report from much of the north where monarchs have yet to appear
widely. This is not butterfly weather! Also this week: Volunteers
are needed for the Monarch Larva Monitoring Project. You can
help scientists study monarch populations by establishing
your own study site. Why the red flags in my study site?
Monarch
Butterfly Migration Update: June 4, 2009 Monarchs have now entered Nova Scotia! A sighting
there puts the eastern edge of the migration nearly 3,000
miles from its origin in Mexico. Monarchs have also been sighted
in the last two northeastern states. Can you name them? Also
this week, learn how you can help scientists study the monarch
parasite "OE." Look at the two species' life cycles
and see how closely they are interconnected.
Monarch
Butterfly Migration Update: May 28, 2009
Canadians welcomed the monarchs' return this week as large
numbers of butterflies reached the final nation of their tri-national
migration. People from five new states and provinces reported
monarchs this week. Use these geographic clues to find out
which ones! Go on a milkweed hunt in today's slideshow. Milkweed
can hide right in front of your eyes. Can you spot the milkweed
in these pictures?
Monarch
Butterfly Migration Update: May 21, 2009
This is the week we've been waiting for! Monarchs are popping
up all over the map. The number of sightings--and the fresh
condition--are clear signs that a new generation is on the
wing. Take a look at a magnified monarch wing this week.
Also, Estela Romero sends news from Mexico as students go
back to school after the influenza emergency.
Photo: Raul Gonzalez
Monarch
Butterfly Migration Update: May 14, 2009
This was the slowest week of the season! The migration virtually
came to a standstill. While we wait for the big surge in
numbers--predicted next week--think about Journey North's
data-collection methods. Why is this population map important?
Also, can a milkweed plant grow fast enough to feed hungry
larvae? See what this week's photo study shows.
Photo: Bud Hensley
Monarch
Butterfly Migration Update: May 7, 2009
The first monarchs have crossed into Canada and reached
latitude 42 north. As monarchs appeared in backyards and
schoolyards this week, people were watching butterfly wings
for clues. When will the fresh-winged butterflies of the
next generation appear in full force? Also this week: What
can you learn by looking closely at butterfly wings? And
have you noticed the tiny holes on the sides of the monarch
caterpillar's body?
Monarch
Butterfly Migration Update: April 30, 2009
Warm air spread across the east this week and monarchs moved
into six new states. But are the monarchs missing the Appalachian
Mountains? See if satellite images hold clues. Spread the
news--a new generation of monarchs is on the wing. And think
about this: If a single monarch can lay hundreds of eggs
why don't we have a billion butterflies?
Monarch
Butterfly Migration Update: April 24, 2009
The migration has now moved into 18 states. Most likely,
the migration map now shows how far the monarchs from Mexico
will travel. We must wait for their offspring to join the
migration in place of their parents. Consider the monarch's
need for renewal on Earth Day. This pie chart shows where
habitat is most important in the early spring. Also: How
does a monarch get out of its chrysalis? Take a close look!
Monarch
Butterfly Migration Update: April 16, 2009
Dr. Brower says frost damage to milkweed is a hazard monarchs
face in the spring. What are other risks of moving north too
quickly? The monarchs have now moved into 4 new states and
reached latitude 47N. Sightings from the East Coast raise
interesting questions: Did those monarchs came up from Mexico
or from the coast? Also, can you name another long-distant
migrant that eats nectar and is traveling now? Photo:
Bud Hensley
Monarch
Butterfly Migration Update: April 9, 2009
Look how far east the monarchs have gone and how little
they have moved to the north! Measure from a central point
in Texas you'll find they've flown 950 miles to the east
and only 500 miles to the north. What causes this pattern?
This week's monarch photo is a mystery. Any idea what it
is? Photo: Dr. Lincoln Brower
Monarch
Butterfly Migration Update: April 2, 2009
When you look at the migration map this week, think EGGS.
Think about a trail of eggs that stretches at least 1,300
miles, from the overwintering sites in Mexico to a roadside
in Arkansas. That's how far the monarchs have traveled.
And think about time. April is the last month in the lives
of the monarchs that over-wintered in Mexico. What do the
monarchs look like now? Find words to describe a very old
and a very new butterfly. Photo:
Sandra Conroy
Monarch
Butterfly Migration Update: March 26, 2009
The first monarchs have already been sighted in Arkansas and
Oklahoma—and the 19 fresh eggs found yesterday in Jackson,
Mississippi are evidence that monarchs have even arrived there!
What does spring migration look like, and can you solve the
migration mystery in California? As the final butteflies leave
the overwintering sites in Mexico, the town of Angangueo honors
monarchs and the first day of spring. Photo:
Estela Romero
Monarch
Butterfly Migration Update: March 19, 2009
The monarchs are pouring out of Mexico now and arriving in
Texas where severe drought conditions greet them. How could
this affect the butterflies? Predict where the migration will
travel next. (You might be surprised!) Why do the monarchs
travel when and where they do? Find out why collecting this
information is important. Photo:
Dr. Lincoln Brower, Sweet Briar College
Monarch
Butterfly Migration Update: March 12, 2009
Here come the monarchs! The colonies in Mexico are breaking
up and the journey north is underway! Spring migration begins
every March in a flurry. The monarchs are in a race against
time. They can't stay in Mexico any longer — but they
can't move north too quickly either. The timing must be
precise. Why do the monarchs go now, and how do they know
when to leave?
Monarch
Butterfly Migration Update: March 5, 2009
Spring
migration is about to begin! "Girls and boys: Monarchs
will indeed leave our forests in only a few days," wrote
Estela Romero from Angangueo. Millions of monarchs are about
to take to the sky and begin their journey north. They will
migrate across the continent in response to Earth's seasonal
cycles. What triggers their departure? Look at these line
graphs for clues and make predictions. Get ready to explore
the many time-sensitive connections between monarchs, climate
and the seasons.
Monarch
Butterfly Migration Update: February 26, 2009
How
is a tree-trunk like a hot water bottle?
How is a forest like an umbrella and blanket? Dr. Lincoln
Brower is back from the overwintering sites in Mexico. Read
about his trip and explore the analogies he uses to describe
how the forest protects monarch butterflies. Also, monarch
expert Dr. Karen Oberhauser is ready to answer your questions.
Ask
the Expert is now open! Send questions only an expert can
answer.
Monarch
Butterfly Migration Update: February 19, 2009
"The
sounds of monarch wings in flight was overwhelming,"
said Susan Myers after visiting the butterfly sanctuary on
Monday.The final weeks of the monarch's
winter season are here and temperatures are rising. Why did
the monarchs migrate to a place that is so cold?
Today, find out how cold temperatures help monarchs survive
the winter, and the challenges cold temperatures present.
Monarch
Butterfly Migration Update: February 12, 2009
Every
98 minutes the satellite zips around the world. It's 438 miles
high and it's traveling 17,000 miles per hour. On board is
one of the world's most powerful cameras. Any day, between
now and mid-March, the camera will take a snapshot of Mexico's
monarch butterfly Reserve. Find out how this satellite and
high-powered camera can help scientists protect the monarch's
forest for people and monarchs. Who made this possible? Students!
Image: GEOEye
Monarch
Butterfly Migration Update: February 5, 2009
Welcome to Journey North's spring's migration season! It's
been three months since the first monarchs reached their winter
home in Mexico after their long, fall migration. How many
monarchs are in Mexico this winter? Find out why scientists
count butterfly trees instead of butterflies to answer that
important conservation question. Also, why are the trees in
this picture orange? Photo: Dr. Lincoln
Brower, Sweet Briar College
Welcome
to Journey North's spring monarch migration season!
Winter
>> We begin each year while the monarchs are still
at the overwintering sites, deep in central Mexico. The
monarch’s story of survival during the winter months
in Mexico is as spectacular as their incredible migration.
During the first weeks, we’ll look at the monarch’s
winter habitat and their adaptations for survival. Spring >>
Get ready to track the migration! The monarchs head north
in March. Find out how to report your sightings and track
the migration on real-time migration maps.
News:
Fall 2008 Posted
Thursdays:Aug.
28, Sep. 4, 11, 18, 25, Oct. 2, 9, 16, 23, 30 ....or weekly
until the first monarchs arrive in Mexico!
FINAL
Monarch Butterfly Migration Update: Nov. 4, 2008
Large numbers of monarchs have now reached
Mexico's overwintering region. By November 2nd, the tops of
fifteen trees at the El Rosario sanctuary were covered with
monarchs. How many monarchs will make it to Mexico? How large
will this year's overwintering population be? Make your own
prediction. We'll have the actual results when Journey North
begins again in February. Please join us!
Monarch
Butterfly Migration Update: October 23, 2008
Monarchs appeared sponteneously across the
skies of northern Mexico on Saturday. The states of Coahuila,
Nuevo Leon, Tamaulipas, Zacatecas and even Michoacan and Mexico
reported sightings. Butterflies continue to pour down from
the north and the story of a tagged butterfly shows how quickly
monarchs can travel—over 550 miles within 3 days!
Photo
courtesy of Rocio
Treviño
Monarch
Butterfly Migration Update: October 16, 2008
What a week! Just as the migration is coming to a peak in
Texas the very first monarchs have been reported from the
wintering sites in Mexico. Also
this week, watch an animation of the migration in Texas. Where
do you see the monarchs traveling? Describe the migration
pattern that you see. Next week we'll explore reasons
why the monarchs appear to travel where they
do!
Photo courtesy of Terry Young
Monarch
Butterfly Migration Update: October 9, 2008
The migration pushed southward into Texas in two clear waves
during the past week. The largest roost of the season appeared
when the first wave hit northern Texas, with up to 25,000
monarchs. High-flying monarchs dropped down near the Mexican
border with the second wave. Find out how high monarchs fly
and how high we can see them. We are tracking migration based
on visual observations, so these questions are important!
Monarch
Butterfly Migration Update: October 2, 2008
A cold front moved across Oklahoma on Monday and a clear wave
of monarchs moved with it, advancing perhaps 300 miles. Monarchs
came down to rest Monday night one woman recorded all the
details. Two scientists explain how monarchs migrate with
the wind and they couldn't get to Mexico without it. Also,
we invite people across North America to tell about their
habitat projects for monarchs.
Monarch
Butterfly Migration Update: September 25, 2008
Masses of monarchs traveled along Canada's northern Great
Lakes shores last week. The warm fall weather gave them time
to travel before cold temperatures trap them. Migration along
the Atlantic Coast and the Appalachian Mountains is picking
up, too. Our migration map is beginning to reveal the pathways
monarchs travel on their way to Mexico. What stories do two
tagged monarchs tell about monarch migration?
Monarch
Butterfly Migration Update: September 18, 2008
Hurricane Ike showed how hurricanes destroy human property
and lives this week. In what ways could such a powerful storm
affect the monarch population? In addition to the hurricane,
monarchs were avoiding something else this week, can you find
the clues? Also, a tagged monarch was found! What do its travels
tell you?
Monarch
Butterfly Migration Update: September 11, 2008
Look at the migration map and you can plainly see, the monarchs
are heading toward Mexico! They are entering Nebraska and
Kansas in large numbers now, and people in Iowa are reporting
peak conditions. Attention all monarch observers:
When you report your monarch sightings, tell us how
many monarchs you saw per minute (or per hour). Here's why...
>>
Monarch
Butterfly Migration Update: September 4, 2008
Monarchs
rested last week in Minnesota, Michigan, Wisconsin, and Iowa
during their long migration to Mexico. With over 1,000 miles
left to fly they formed large roosts and waited for winds
to carry them southward. Only 12 roosts have been reported
this fall compared to more than 80 last year at this time.
Are these true signs of a small population? Will this winter's
population in Mexico will be smaller than last year's too?
Also: Can you identify a monarch
butterfly?
Monarch
Butterfly Migration Update: August 28, 2008
The migration to Mexico is underway! Please help track the
monarch's journey. Watch for monarchs that are flying, resting
and refueling. But where are the monarchs? Last fall, 45 overnight
roosts had been reported compared to only 3 so far this year.
Meet a slow-growing monarch this week and explore climate
connections. Teachers: Get started with a guided tour for
using Journey North in your classroom.
Welcome
and Orientation Beginning August 28th, weekly FALL
MIGRATION UPDATES will be posted here every Thursday,
from September to November. (See schedule above.) Get
ready to track the migration to Mexico. Find out how to
report your sightings and track the migration on real-time
migration maps. >>
News:
Spring 2008 Posted
Thursdays:
Feb. 7, 14, 21, 28, Mar. 6, 13, 20, 27, Apr. 3, 10, 17,
24, May 1, 8, 15, 22, 29...and weekly until the migration
is complete!
Monarch
Butterfly Migration Update: June 12, 2008
Weather conditions caused sweltering heat but let massive
numbers of monarchs move into MA, NH, VT, ME, ON and PQ:
"Nous
avons vu notre premier monarque aujourd'hui," came the
news from Quebec City near latitude 47N. Students at Davis
Elementary in Bedford, MA, saw their first monarch when CBS
News Boston came to visit. Take a look!
Monarch
Butterfly Migration Update: June 5, 2008
At last! The chilly, wet weather that has slowed the migration
all month finally gave way at the end of last week. Warm,
moist air moved northward and the monarchs moved with it.
The migration has now expanded to latitude 47 N and as far
east as Nova Scotia. week. Photo:
Wayne Kryduba
Monarch
Butterfly Migration Update: May 29, 2008
Brrrr....After another cold week in the north the migration
still seems to be stalled at about latitude 45N in the central
region and 42N in the east. This week, watch a monarch hatch
from its egg. What questions does this miraculous monarch
raise? Send us your list! We'll try to answer them next week.
Monarch
Butterfly Migration Update: May 22, 2008
They are few and far between, but monarchs have now reached
latitude 45 north. Cool
temperatures are slowing the migration northward. When the
pattern breaks on Saturday south winds should bring warm air—and
monarchs—northward. Let's see! This week, come on a
photo safari and see if you can find the milkweed that's hiding
in these pictures.
Monarch
Butterfly Migration Update: May 15, 2008
The first monarch was spotted in Canada on May 8th this spring,
the very same day as last year's first sighting. The big surge
in numbers we have been predicting should occur any day. Let
us know what you see! Meanwhile, explore the connections between
milkweed and monarchs and enjoy a field trip to the milkweed
patch in this week's slideshow.
Monarch
Butterfly Migration Update: May 8, 2008
Monarch butterflies and ruby-throated hummingbirds both eat
nectar and are both crossing eastern North America right now.
Why do you suppose hummingbirds can travel north more quickly?
Also look closely at two monarch larvae and compare them.
Find out what causes the differences that you see.
Monarch
Butterfly Migration Update: May 1, 2008
As you can plainly see, the migration map has hardly changed
during the past week. Its leading edge still hovers at latitude
40N where it was last week, and only a handful of sightings
were reported. Can you figure out why? Also, people have
been amazed and delighted this spring by the monarch's amazing
ability to find milkweed, even the tiniest plants. What
senses do monarchs have, and how do they use them to find
milkweed? Photo: Jim Conner
Monarch
Butterfly Migration Update: April 24, 2008
What a week! According to observers, the monarchs moved
into six new states and a most remarkable sighting was reported
from Sioux Falls, South Dakota. If the butterfly came from
Mexico it would have flown over 1,600 miles! Do you think
this is a reliable sighting? Also this week, take a close
look at the amazing legs monarch larvae have. How do their
special legs help monarchs survive?
Monarch
Butterfly Migration Update: April 17, 2008
Last week's final blast of winter stopped the monarchs in
their tracks. Look how little the migration map changed
in the Central Plains, where most of the monarch population
is poised to move northward. The big news this week is that
new butterflies of the next generation are now being born
in Texas! These young butterflies will join the migration
and continue the journey north in place of their parents.
Monarch
Butterfly Migration Update: April 10, 2008
Look how far east the monarchs have gone and how little
they have moved to the north! Measure from a central point
in Texas you'll find they've flown 1,000 miles to the east
and only 500 miles to the north. What causes this pattern?
Other news: new butterflies of the next generation are about
to be born, so make room on your migration map! Also, this
week's monarch photo is a mystery. Any idea what it is?
Photo: Dr. Lincoln Brower
Monarch
Butterfly Migration Update: April 3, 2008
March 27th was the week's big migration day. Scientists
who monitor weather and insect migration watch for conditions
like these.Take a look at wind and weather maps for the
day. If you're waiting to see your first monarch? This week's
migration map questions are for you! And don't miss Answers
from the Expert, Monarch biologist Dr. Karen Oberhauser.
Monarch
Butterfly Migration Update: March 27, 2008
It looked like fall migration along the Texas Gulf coast late
last week there were so many monarchs! But the 'stop and start'
nature of monarch migration is evident when you play this
week's animated migration map. How
closely do monarchs follow after milkweed becomes available
in the spring? Dr. Brower explains why that's an important
question. This week's photo is a monarch egg. Describe it!
Monarch
Butterfly Migration Update: March 20, 2008
The first monarchs have arrived in Texas— and the first
eggs of the next generation are being laid. Learn how to use
our migration map in a scavenger hunt to answer questions.
Also, predict where the migration move during the next month.
Spring migration is underway!
Monarch
Butterfly Migration Update: March 13, 2008
The monarchs are on their way! Dr. Bill Calvert reported last
night from Angangueo after watching monarchs stream out of
the Rosario colony in massive numbers. Then came the news
from the state of Querétaro, 60 miles north. The journey
north is underway! Also this week, alarming news about deforestation
in the monarch region. Find out how students helped scientists
collect the strongest evidence yet that the monarch forest
in Mexico needs stronger protection.
Monarch
Butterfly Migration Update: March 6, 2008
It's
March! The days are getting longer, the air drier, and temperatures
are rising in the monarch colonies in Mexico. "Within
the month—a relatively short time—these butterflies
will vacate their winter haunt and begin the recolonization
of North America."
How did milkweed the monarchs ate last fall help them survive
the winter in Mexico? Find two important ways in today's
update. Photo by Don Davis
Monarch
Butterfly Migration Update: February 28, 2008
Two important signs of spring were noted during the past
week at the over-wintering sites in Mexico. The monarchs
are moving down the mountains, and mating is increasing.
Last fall, classrooms sent over $11,000 to Mexico for monarch
conservation. Two stories this week are about the work the
students' donations are supporting. The goal of both projects
is to take pressure off the forest by helping local people
find new ways to live and work.
Monarch
Butterfly Migration Update: February 21, 2008
The monarch's story is one of nature's greatest survival
stories. Yet competition with people over use of the forest
is the greatest challenge the monarchs face in Mexico. Today
we'll explore uses of wood by families who live in the region.
Meet children who live in the region and and see how their
simple rural lifestyle compares to your own.
Monarch
Butterfly Migration Update: February 14, 2008
Dr. Lincoln Brower sends news about his research trip to
Mexico. He shares his hypothesis about how monarchs benefit
from clustering on the trunks of trees. Why do monarch butterflies
come together by the millions and form colonies the way
they do? Take a look and think it through. Photo:
Dr. Lincoln Brower, Sweet Briar College
Monarch
Butterfly Migration Update: February 7, 2008
Welcome to Journey North's spring's migration season! It's
been three months since the first monarchs reached their
winter home in Mexico after their long, fall migration.
How many monarchs are in Mexico this winter? Find out why
scientists count butterfly trees instead of butterflies
to answer that important conservation question. Photo:
Dr. Lincoln Brower, Sweet Briar College
Welcome
to Journey North's spring monarch migration season!
Winter
>> We begin each year while the monarchs are still
at the overwintering sites, deep in central Mexico. The
monarch’s story of survival during the winter months
in Mexico is as spectacular as their incredible migration.
During the first weeks, we’ll look at the monarch’s
winter habitat and their adaptations for survival. Spring >>
Get ready to track the migration! The monarchs head north
in March. Find out how to report your sightings and track
the migration on real-time migration maps.
