Shorebirds and Monarchs out The Spit today

[nana]

Between the gate and the bridge I counted 103 Monarchs during the 45 minute walk out along the gravel path this afternoon around 2:30. They were all flying in from the lake and about 1/2 kept on going right across the road, heading west, while the other 1/2 set down to feed on Goldenrod. They were all fresh  bright orange and black and every one was flying strong! On the way back a few hours later I counted at least another 3 dozen coming in with the wind. Fantastic to see so many and I was totally surprised to see a tag on the 100th one I counted. I have photos.

3 Least SP, 3 Semipalmated Plovers, 1 Green Heron all in or around Embayment D or Cell 1. 1 Broad-winged Hawk overhead and lots of the other regular birds for this time of year.

[Howieh]

Very encouraging monarch numbers; my son and I walked the spit from about 4:30 to 6pm and while we saw only about a dozen monarchs we also found six milkweed caterpillars, all fairly large and within a week of pupating. We also saw a few sulphurs and 1 red admiral. Did you get the tag number?

[nana]

Yes I did get the tag number and reported it to Monarch Watch.
The same winds today although lighter so perhaps the numbers will continue to be high.

The hawk migration is on too and the sightings are increasing so keep looking up!