The flyways in North Carolina have been very busy this year. Most recently, there was a swarm of dragonflies migrating through the state that was so big it showed up on weather radar (you can read about it here). And now, it’s time for the annual Monarch butterfly migration! Each fall, millions and millions of these dainty, winged creatures leave their summer roosts in the north and travel thousands of miles southward to their overwintering spots found in Mexico and parts of the U.S.
Monarchs are the only species in North America that is known to migrate and whether you're an enthusiastic bystander or a researcher, the process is simply mesmerizing. Scientists have been studying this phenomenon for decades.
After years of study, the migration patterns are beginning to become quite clear and somewhat predictable. The start of the migration is thought to be triggered by the Monarchs sensing shorter days and the different angle of the sun's rays in early autumn, among other things, including falling temperatures.
There are three major flyways found in the U.S.; two of them lead to Mexico and points along the California coastline. A third, the eastern flyway, leads to Mexico and Florida. Butterflies migrating along the eastern flyway are known to overwinter in some coastal states. In fact, colonies of them have been spotted wintering as far north as the coast of North Carolina and even Virginia Beach.
How do we know? Researchers and volunteers have tagged them in order to follow their migration patterns. This photo was taken in Washington, D.C. and displays the tag on the wing of a Monarch.
Where should you look for them here in North Carolina? That answer is simple: everywhere! Unlike their immediate ancestors that take up to four generations to fly north in the spring, the southward bound Monarchs are less interested in mating and concentrate more on eating and flying. To spot one, you can probably just head to a local park, or even wander out into your own back yard.
The migration from Canada to their overwintering spot occurs between September and November. With cooler temperatures after the sun sets, the Monarchs will huddle together for warmth and then bask in the morning sun before taking flight once again.
The migration into and through North Carolina has reportedly already begun. Have you spotted more butterflies than usual in recent days? We’d love to know and to see your photos in the comments!
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