March of the Monarchs

In March, monarch butterflies begin their spring migration. As winter ends and the days grow longer, the monarchs become more active, beginning to mate and often moving to locations lower on the mountainsides. They leave their Mexican roosts during the second week of March, flying north and east looking for milkweed plants on which to lay their eggs. These monarchs have already survived a long southward flight in the fall and winter’s cold; they have escaped predatory birds and other hazards along the way, and are the only monarchs left that can produce a new generation. If they return too early, before the milkweed is up in the spring, they will not be able to lay their eggs and continue the cycle.

We look forward to seeing them soon! The photo to the right was captured by wildlife enthusiast, Katie Loyle.