A cold front on the 29th brought huge numbers of Monarchs to Cape May. Gardens on Cape May Point were flooded with Monarchs. Warm conditions did not promote much large roosting, however. The phenomenon was short lived, though. Winds shifted and Monarchs left our shores, we assume to go south to their ultimate destination.
Unusually warm conditions have created a boon for insects of all kinds. Monarchs are breeding much more than usual, it seems, with caterpillars still feasting upon milkweed patches. Fall butterflies are still abundant and huge numbers of migrating dragonflies have been seen near the hawk watch.
Census Totals: Monarchs per hour
9-29: 196.72
9-30: 77.00
10-1: 57.89
10-2: 28.00
10-3: 10.34
10-4: 54.55
10-5: 30.53
Monarchs per hour for Week 5: 66.03
Mean Monarchs per hour cumulative: 64.70
The 29th of September was the annual Harbor Fair and Monarch Festival at the Nature Center of Cape May. It went splendidly and our thanks goes out to everyone who helped it be so. Visit the Cape May Bird Observatory and the Nature Center of Cape May for information on other programs and events.
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