Monarch Migration - Wild Texas Forums: Parks, Travel & Recreation

Shannon · 03-02-2004, 03:56 PM

The South Texas Coast has the wintering whooping cranes... Mexico has the wintering Monarch butterflies.

Read this fascinating Express-News article about the annual Monarch butterfly migration, and keep your eyes out.. Monarch's are headed back into Texas, a sure sign Spring will soon be here!

And if you're curious, there are many more Monarch migration resources online. Check 'em out!

03-06-2004, 10:12 AM

A couple of years back I was lucky enough to experience the Monarch migration. I was at Colorado Bend State Park doing a weekend backpacking trip to the primitive site by the river; I was unaware that it was their migration season. As I walked into the backcountry I couldn't help but notice that there were a lot of butterflies around. Then, I came into a large open grassland; there were millions of Monarchs everywhere. I sat in the middle of the grassland and let them cover me. It was great! I've never seen anything like it before, but I hope to see it again.

Steve

kai · 03-09-2004, 08:56 PM

I'll admit I don't know the difference between types of butterflies (and I don't, at the moment, have time to read the article- tomorrow perhaps)- but I did notice today that my dog was chasing butterflies all over the backyard all day (which tires her out nicely). This is the first butterfly day we've had in a while. I doubt they were monarchs. But the butterflies, in general, seem to be back, at any rate...

Shannon · 03-10-2004, 09:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kai

I'll admit I don't know the difference between types of butterflies (and I don't, at the moment, have time to read the article- tomorrow perhaps)- but I did notice today that my dog was chasing butterflies all over the backyard all day (which tires her out nicely). This is the first butterfly day we've had in a while. I doubt they were monarchs. But the butterflies, in general, seem to be back, at any rate...

I highly recommend the Kaufman Focus Guide to "Butterflies of North America" by Jim P. Brock & Kenn Kaufman. I put the guide on my Christmas wishlist because I realized I was completely unable to identify any butterflies except the Monarch. The most startling example of this was while I wrote up my May 2003 camping trip report; I mistakenly referred to a Little wood satyr butterfly as a moth. I wouldn't have caught the error prior to posting my article, had it not been for the coincidence that Texas Parks & Wildlife Magazine (which I subscribe to) happened to have an entire story on that particular butterfly in its current issue! "It's a BUTTERFLY?!" was my reaction. My idea of a butterfly seemed limited to only those that were brightly colored and "showy," rather than those that were more camouflagued.

Anyway, the Butterflies of North America guide has a weather-proof cover and is packable -- usable in the field without hassle. Now that the butterflies are making their appearance, I look forward to putting the guide to use and gaining a better understanding of these creatures!

Shannon · 03-10-2004, 02:57 PM

And, oceanus, that experience you had at Colorado Bend State Park sounds amazing. I wonder if that's a rarity that so many would land at the park, or if it is in fact a "resting area" the Monarchs use each year (conditions permitting)?