Monarchs @ Leslie Spit

[Kris Ito]

Although the birding at the Spit today was pretty sweet, it was the gathering Monarchs that really took your breath away. Early this morning they were hanging from the poplar trees in large groups, with several trees holding easily over 200 butterflies each. Where they weren't clustered on trees, they were filling large fields of goldenrod, waiting for the sun to warm them up. Tough to estimate total numbers, but I would guess between 1500-2000. By lunch time they were scattered throughout the park. I only noticed a few other species: lots of Sulphurs, Cabbage Whites, and one each of Eastern Comma, Pearl Crescent, Mourning Cloak, and Painted Lady.  -kris

Monarchs by Kris Ito. Casual birder, inept photographer, on Flickr

Monarchs by Kris Ito. Casual birder, inept photographer, on Flickr

Monarch by Kris Ito. Casual birder, inept photographer, on Flickr

[thouc]

A beautiful sight!

[paul_reeves]

Very nice Kris.

[Rotarran]

That's awesome.  Walter saw something similar at the Rosetta McClain Gardens or somewhere near there...check the hawk watch blog for more info.  It's great to see Monarchs doing so well.  I spent a bit of time at Downsview last night and saw a good number of them there as well.

[Walter Fisher]

Excellent shots Kris!  So wonderful to see.  Walter