According to Monarch Watch, "The overwintering numbers were the second lowest in the record (0.9ha), and it was reasonable to expect low numbers of monarchs to return from Mexico in March," however, migration numbers are typically low at the beginning of the season and give way to a more steady flow later on. They reported that this years numbers are following the upward trend of population growth.
Compare the migration maps from 2013 (top image) with the map of 2024 (bottom image) to visualize the immense increase of healthy migratory numbers.
Thanks to volunteer monarch tagging efforts, the counts have been more and more accurate. To learn more about tagging or how you can contribute, click here to read more from The Monarch Watch.
The end of season is in the fall, so most butterflies you see at this point and until then are at their final, most northern and eastern destinations. If you want to attract monarchs, plant or avoid weeding natural wildflowers and milkweed. Or, check out a designated Monarch Waystation, sites deemed ideal for monarch habitation like our shoreline wildflower buffer at Baraga Lakeside Inn (click to see before and after photos).
We hope you enjoy the end of monarch migration season and take advantage of the natural beauty that surrounds us!
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