EARLY DEPARTURE OF MONARCHS FROM MEXICO

[donald...@gmail.com]

Chip Taylor, Board member emeritus, Monarch Butterfly Fund, and Founding Director of Monarch Watch, reports that the observations of those monitoring the exodus of monarchs from the overwintering colonies in Mexico suggest that nearly ALL of the monarchs have left the colonies. This is an early departure - the earliest he has heard of. Substantial numbers of monarchs usually remain well into the third week of March with some monarchs, often thousands, lingering until the first few days of April.

Early departures could signal early arrival in Texas. That could be favourable. Timing is a big part of getting a good start on the development of the population each year with early being better than late.

REMINDER - LINCOLN BROWER AWARDS . DEADLINE FOR APPLICATIONS IS MARCH 31, 2024. $3,000 grant to support undergraduate or graduate students in research on the conservation of monarch butterflies and their habitats.