During the month of September, I try to make a trip to Point Pelee National Park to observe the annual fall migration of the Monarch Butterfly. I usually schedule my visit for the 3rd week of the month as this is typically when Monarchs move through the area in good numbers. This also coincides with my birthday and I cannot think of a better way to celebrate than at this beautiful park.
In 2015 my timing was pretty good as I was treated to large quantities of Monarchs during the day throughout the park and evening roosts were estimated to contain over 1000 Monarchs.
Last year, my timing was not so good, as I only observed one Monarch all day, a lone butterfly seen just off the tip heading south. Monarch migration seemed to take place a bit later last year as numbers peaked in early October.
This year I had planned once again to visit the third week of September and hoped the Monarchs would cooperate. This plan quickly changed Saturday morning.
After working for a few hours Saturday morning, I took a break and checked social media. I do this each morning to see what interesting things are happening in terms of birding and nature. After reading a report of a conservative estimate of 10,000 Monarchs roosting the previous night at the tip of Point Pelee I quickly messaged my partners in “Team Monarch” who I spent several seasons raising Monarchs with to see if they had heard the news. It did not take long before a trip to Point Pelee National Park for later that day was organized.
The three of us left for the park at 4:00 p.m. which would give us roughly 2 hours before dark to observe these impressive roosts. Once at the park, we jumped on the shuttle at the Visitor’s Centre and headed for the tip.
The wind at the park was strong out of the northeast, so we focussed our efforts on the west side of the tip where the Monarchs would be somewhat protected from the strong winds. Looking up into the trees we were treated to thousands of Monarch Butterflies huddled together, by far the biggest roosts I have ever witnessed. It’s hard to find a word to describe this experience but magical definitely comes to mind.
Roosts were estimated at 6000 Monarchs, a bit lower than the previous night. It was believed that some of the butterflies may have moved north away from the tip to escape the strong wind and were somewhere out of sight.
Leaving the park we could see the colourful sky through the trees to the west. We pulled into the West Beach Parking lot and walked out on the sand. I’m really glad we did as we were treated to one of the most amazing sunsets I have ever seen. This was the perfect way to end an incredible day.
Over the coming days, we are expected to receive the remnants of hurricane Gordon. Cooler temperatures and substantial rain will likely mean this large concentration of Monarchs will remain in the park until the weather breaks. When it does, look for these Monarchs to leave the tip heading south continuing their journey to Mexico. With sunny skies and a northwest wind predicted for Tuesday, a mass departure could happen.
If you are wanting to experience this amazing migration now may be your best chance. For updates on Monarch numbers within the park follow Pelee Paradise Sanctuary Monarch Waystation #10275 on Facebook for up to date reports.
Good birding,
Paul
Hi Paul: Your pictures on the Monarch butterflies are amazing. I have not had the privlidge of witnessing this but your
pictures tell it all. I have seen some monarchs passing by my apartment(10th floor) and wish them well as they pass by.
Thanks so much for sharing your wonderful pictures on these and your birds.
Peg Balch
My pleasure! Thank you very much for the kind compliments regarding my images. I am happy to hear you have seen several Monarchs passing by your place. Numbers seem to be up a bit this year. Hopefully the weather in Mexico this winter won’t be too harsh as it has been tough on the Monarchs down their over the past couple of seasons.
Hi Paul,
On September 7, my husband and I (and several other people) observed between 6000 and 7000 roosting Monarch butterflies in soft maple and evergreen trees at a trailer park along Gray Line, West Elgin, overlooking Lake Erie near Blacks Rd. We had seen good Monarch roosts there in 2010 and 2014, but Friday evening’s numbers were an order of magnitude larger. Wonderful experience!
That is fantastic Anita! A wonderful experience for sure. These large roosts are such an impressive sight.
Paul, thanks to your blog, a friend and I drove to Point Pelee yesterday (Sunday) and saw the Monarchs. First time ever seeing this. What an amazing site. I just subscribed hoping we can catch upcoming bird migrations this spring.
That is awesome Shelly, I am really happy to hear that! It certainly is a sight to see. Thanks for subscribing to my blog. I will be sure to keep everyone up to date on what I see during fall migration.
Paul, your photos of the Monarchs are amazing! I really enjoy your blog.
Thank you very much Susan for the kind words regarding my photos. I am really happy to hear that you enjoy my blog!
Dear Paul,
you have so many fans and rightfully so, your pictures are awe inspiring. A good friend, who is an avid birder, sent me your link with the pictures of Monarchs. She knew that I had started raising them and have released 41 so far with one chrysalis to go. It is not a great number compared to the lady who raise 3,000 this year.
I am really happy to hear that you find my pictures awe inspiring Roswitha! Forty-one is a pretty impressive number of monarchs to raise and every one helps to boost the population. Great work!
Interesting article Paul! I currently have a chrysalis that looks it is going to emerge today. We have friends in town from Kingsville as they live not far from Pelee, I was going to ship him home with them. Are there still monarchs gathering at this time of year?
Thank you very much Jamie. The last report I see from Point Pelee National park was from October 14 where 425 Monarchs were counted at the tip. It seems their numbers have dropped significantly since then, but helping your Monarch out by taking it further south would definitely be advantageous in my opinion.
Earlier today I sent photos of monarch butterflies on Middle Bass Island and South Bass Island last September to a friend writing an article about them in northern Ontario. But I knew they start their migration over Lake Erie from Point Pelee and just sent him a link to these great photos and videos that I was delighted to find. I run the Middle Bass Island page on Facebook.
Thank you very much Michael for the kind words regarding my photos and videos and for sharing the link with your friend. I will be sure to check out you Facebook page.
Today is Sept 14,2019. Do you know if the monarchs are at Point Pelee today?
Hi Sandi, Monarch migration can vary year to year and can peak in September or October. Following this facebook page is the best way to see how migration is progressing and planning a visit based on the daily counts is best. Pelee Paradise Sanctuary Monarch Waystation #10275