Point Pelee Observations

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I just spoke with Cameron Chevalier who is now Park Interpreter at Point Pelee. He reports that monarchs are not yet very common while "a hand full" were seem today. Cameron noted that Hackberry Emperors are very abundant right now. 

It was 20 years ago this August/September that ultralight pilot Vico Gutierrez from Mexico flew his ultralight from Montreal, through Ontario, and then to Mexico to promote monarch conservation. They made a stop at Point Pelee where a fiesta was held. I just found a link to the edited documentary. I took a flight up with Vico near Breslau, Ontario, but my friend, late John Powers, flew 4000 feet up over Niagara Falls, straying into U.S. air space and being warmed to get back to Canada!: 

https://tinyurl.com/2mhdkawp

No doubt others may have other noteworthy butterfly observations to share from this remarkable park. 

In general across eastern North America, monarchs appear to have arrived later than usual this year. It will bew\interesting to compare data from past July 1st and 4th butterfly counts with what was seen in 2025. Dave Elder just reported his first monarch in Atikokan. First ones usually arrive in early June. Few sightings in Rainy River region. 

Just back from 2025 North American Monarch Summit in Minneapolis.