Modest Monarch Numbers Continue

We grew used to monarch numbers dropping off quickly during the second half of October, but the pattern seems to be changing.  For the fourth year in a row we are seeing steady numbers of monarchs continuing late into the month.  Cape May Point is engulfed in a cloud today (Wednesday), with a misty drizzle coming and going, so the monarchs are not very active, and more rain is in the forecast, so we don't know if there will still be monarchs around after the rain.  But until there's a hard freeze in the areas to our immediate north, our guess is that modest numbers of monarchs will continue to be seen.

Seaside goldenrod, a favorite late season nectar source for monarchs, is fading now, with about 90% past bloom.  Monarchs are now being seen most often in gardens that still have flowers in bloom.