Cape May Point Monarch Roost

Small roost of Monarchs was forming at St Pete's beach crossover at 4:30. There was another small one about double the size at Lincoln Ave. Not near as many Monarchs going by today here.

 

 

Cape May Point, NJ ~ Monarch Roost

My sister, Les and I really enjoyed ourselves at the Monarch roost this morning meeting "old" friends we made yesterday and new friends we made today. There were also friends that I have known for some years there. Watching the Monarchs brings joy to my heart. Today's Monarchs didn't fly over the bay as the winds weren't favorable so tomorrow there should be another and probable larger roost.

 

Cape May Point ~ Monarch Roost

This morning I was over to Cape May Point to view the Monarch roost.  It's not as large as the 25,000 to 30,000 monarchs seen about 2 weeks ago but it was still good.   The monarchs were not expected to fly across the bay because the winds were not favorable for them. My sister, Les came down to visit today.  She's has never seen a monarch roost so decided to spend the night here.  We went over about 5 PM to see how many were settled in the black pine trees.  There were several thousand monarchs and more settling in as it got later and cooler.  We also walked down onto the beach where there were many monarchs nectaring on seaside goldenrod.

 

 

Cape May Point ~ Monarch Roost

 

Cape May Point, NJ ~ Monarch Roost

 I was so excited last night to hear that there was another roost at St Pete's Beach's crossover with light about 2500 Monarchs.  I was up and over there at first light.  This roost did not disappoint.

Cape May Point ~ Monarch Butterfly Roosts

Those interested in Monarch Butterflies know that after they roost all night the morning sun warms them before the butterflies fly away.  You'll see one or two monarch get warmed up and will move off the branches looking for another perch in the sun to continue warming up.  At the Point, Seaside Goldenrod is a popular choice for migrating Monarch's.  The colors always look so pretty.  So this AM there were a number of other people over to watch the lift off of the Monarch's after a night of huddling together.

Cape May Point ~ Monarch Butterfly Roosts

Word was out this afternoon that Monarch Butterflies were increasing in numbers and that roosts were forming in the trees in Cape May Point.  The largest roosts found were on the St Pete's beach crossover.  I decided then to go over to see them even though it was 5:30PM. It's getting dark earlier so sometimes it's harder to get good pictures.

Cape May Point ~ Monarch Butterfly Roosts

Last evening the Monarch tagging team posted a message on the blog that there were several Monarch roosts building up in Cape May Point. Jenny, Jayne & I were over to the Point at first light and found the main roost by St Mary's Retreat.  It is awesome to view and watch the butterflies wake up, re-position themselves until the sun warms them before the fly away.

My Yard ~ Monarch Roost

Jenny & I were excited to see the development of a several areas of Monarchs and one small Monarch Butterfly roost in my Cherry tree.  We counted 22 in the main area.  We also had several mating couples plus some Monarchs Caterpillars feeding on both Tropical and Common Milkweed.