A Front Row Seat to an Unbelievable Migration!

It's not birds doing the migrating, or even snowbirds (New Jerseyans who head south for the winter), it's an insect...It's the Monarch Butterfly, and they're on the move!  

Google Map-Cape May Point State ParkThey're gathering by the thousands and building up roost sites now at Cape May Point.  The Monarchs are just waiting for favorable winds to carry them across the Delaware River for their long migration south, and winter in the warmer climes of Mexico.

Scientists too have gathered at the Cape May Point State Park to tag Monarchs to study their migration.  Biologists know where they go, but they're still studying the migration route.

It seems they gather in New Jersey, wait for just the right wind to cross the Delaware River, then the Monarchs travel down the coast and cross over through Florida and Georgia and then on to Mexico.

If you'd like to check out this spectacular event, and watch a free tagging demonstration be at the Cape May Point State Park at 2pm Friday, Saturday or Sunday.

If you'd like to see pictures of the Monarch Butterfly roosting and the butterfly tagging, check out these photos from the Press of Atlantic City.



 
  

     
 
Posted by Laura Giannotta 'Your Realtor Down the Shore!' on 10/06/2011 09:20 AM   Comments (8)   New Jersey News in the ActiveRain Channel   butterfly migration, cape may point state park, nature  
Originally posted at: : A Front Row Seat to an Unbelievable Migration!
Short URL: http://actvra.in/kP6
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8 Comments on A Front Row Seat to an Unbelievable Migration!

OCT
06
2011
485,145 Points 52 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

They are so beautiful - and rare.  I think I saw one in my garden this summer.
9:34am • #1
905,569 Points 93 Featured Posts Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

OK, that just sounds like it would be a very neat event to go see. I hope you get the opportunity to make it to this... and then share some photos with us Laura.
4:24pm • #2
1,404,729 Points 54 Featured Posts Outside Blog Called Shot Master

We have a lot of Monarchs in my area, but I have never seen where they were bunched up in migration.  I caought a 6 of the catapillars this year and my grand daughter and I watched has they spun the scrysalis and then hatched.  A lot of fun.
8:53pm • #3
1,068,574 Points 70 Featured Posts Outside Blog Called Shot Master

Bet it would be fun....never thought of it as being a big event....
8:54pm • #4
OCT
07
2011
937,490 Points 51 Featured Posts Called Shot Master

Laura - I can only imagine how wonderful witnessing a Monarch migration would be.  I hope you have an opportunity to witness it yourself, and to take plenty of amazing pictures for us.
10:07pm • #5
OCT
08
2011
561,563 Points 11 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

I wouldn't mind migrating myself.. I am NOT ready for cold weather at all
6:35pm • #6
OCT
10
2011
776,037 Points 16 Featured Posts Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

Laura, don't ask me why, but that's something I never associated with Jersey.  I've seen a lot of them in Illinois...I guess Mexico gets lots of tourists in the winter.
7:35pm • #7
OCT
16
2011
563,082 Points 10 Featured Posts Outside Blog Called Shot Master

This is something I would love to see Laura, Monarchs are so beautiful.
8:19am • #8


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Laura Giannotta 'Your Realtor Down the Shore!'

Little Egg Harbor, NJ

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Keller Williams Realty Atlantic Shore, NJ

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