The Monarch Monitoring Project is a long-term study on monarch migration through Cape May, NJ. It is a part of the New Jersey Audubon Research Department, and closely affiliated with the Cape May Bird Observatory.

Saturday, September 24, 2011

Spectacular Tagging Day!

A Monarch liked my headband! 

Len Pocius releases a tagged Monarch at the state park! Come to a  tagging demo and this could be You!!



Today's demo was very exciting! We had dozens and dozens of Monarchs to tag. Although our favorite migrants have not yet found their way to Cape May Point, Team Monarch was thrilled to meet Bob Szuskowski and his daughter. Together they raised a bunch of Monarchs at their home in northern New Jersey and showed up today at the state park which was a treat for our demo audience. Everyone got to  learn about tagging and even release a Monarch!
   Never fear ! My fingers are crossed that the migrating Monarchs will be on their way.  There have been many sightings in Southern Canada this week so I'm hoping that a few Monarchs will wing their way to Cape May. Please deadhead your butterfly bushes and let native goldenrod and milkweeds grow so our favorite insects can bulk up on nectar to power their flight to Mexico :-)  To see where Monarchs have been spotted check out Journey North!

If you're interested in tagging and releasing a monarch come to one of our tagging demos.  They're Wed, Fri, Sat, and Sun at 2pm in the pavilion next to the Hawk Watch platform. We would love to see you and share some fun Monarch facts!
Kathy, an interpretive naturalist at the Hawk Watch befriends a Monarch!

Hope to see you here at the Point soon! Best wishes for butterfly sightings! 
       ~Tori 



1 comment:

  1. What an incredible day it was at Cape May on Saturday. It was wonderful meeting Rebecca, Tori, Louise and so many of the park visitors that I had the opportunity to meet and have the opportunity to teach to tag. It was rewarding seeing the looks on the faces of the folks who did tag and get to hold a Monarch for the very 1st time. I know that it will be a day that many people will never forget. It was wonderful meeting everyone associated with the Monarch Monitoring Project. My daughter Katie and I truly enjoyed our day and sharing our passion for Monarchs with others who also understand their plight. Hopefully our paths will cross once again, 'til then Peace like a "River of Monarchs"
    Bob

    Bob Szuszkowski
    Newfoundland, NJ
    rski@optonline.net
    http://www.myteacherpages.com/webpages/rszuszkowski/

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