want a real eye opener watch this
http://www.cbc.ca/natureofthings/episodes/songbirdsos
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want a real eye opener watch this
http://www.cbc.ca/natureofthings/episodes/songbirdsos
I added milkweed to the flower gardens years ago and I saw caterpillars last year but I haven't seen anything this year. The bee balms usually has many hummingbirds and I only see one or two a day (if that) this year.
I've seen lots of monarchs this year while out scouting crops. Last year I saw more than I've ever seen before but not until almost Labour Day for some reason.
Were they actually Monarch's or were they Viceroy Butterflies ?which are similar.Quote:
Originally Posted by DaleK
http://www.learner.org/jnorth/images...Monarch_ID.jpg Compare Hind Wings
Ive seen a couple. Not many by any means
Things are the same down here - I purposely leave milkweed standing in the field but haven't seen even one this year - something is happening
Just got in from cutting my lot and saw at least a half a dozen Monarchs possibly more . I leave about a half acre uncut and the last time I was there 3 weeks ago i didn't see any. Even walking back to the river I saw all kinds of them flying around.
I have seen a few, nothing like I did in the past. The first (or second) generation just appears to have gone into the butterfly stage around here, explains why you see none then see numbers. I had one caterpillar in my butterfly garden last year and again this year (so far) I did see Monarchs in the garden, and park this week, hopefully laying eggs. The loss of the Milkweed has had a lot to do with their decline, so has the loss of roosting habitat in their wintering home in Mexico. Some cold winters have hurt their numbers but the largest factor was the drought of 2012, all part of Climate Change... oh, wait, that was caused by us as well.
Just as a reminder to all, the Milkweed is no longer on Ontario's Noxious Weed list... we do not have to remove it, we can keep it. I have transplanted some to my garden and have collected seeds which I planted as well. Growing Milkweed is the best thing we can do for the Monarch!
I often disagree with the man; but his foundation, well, it more then just him and his opinion. http://www.davidsuzuki.org/media/new...rch-butterfly/
Also to explain why our numbers are down this year in Ontario http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/windso...year-1.3162278
It would be truly a shame to loose this species, I was lucky enough to see an evening massing one night while out for a drive. I came to a stop sign and suddenly realized I was seeing an unusually large number of butterfly's. I parked and got out of the truck, they were coming from all directions going straight to one tree. I have some video of it I will try to post later, it was one of the most amazing things that left me in awe. How did these Monarch, the third generation know to go to that specific tree on their migration, how did they all get there the same night. Truly one of nature's mysteries.
Very cool!
Approx 7 years ago I had a serious overnight from thousands of Monarchs in the trees by my house, a very memorable sight. Now that you mention it I have seen 1 so far this year, whats the timing for the migratory move, think its more towards the fall, we should all look for some evidence and provide feedback.