I've been meaning to post a message for the past week or so, to mention the fact that I have been seeing more migrating Monarch butterflies this year than last fall, when I think I saw one all season.  For the most part, I have just been seeing one or two individuals at a time, scattered here and there.  But, last night when I came out of work at about 6:15, I saw at least 25 Monarchs flying over the parking lot and adjacent field here at Vermont Teddy Bear.  I don't think I have ever seen so many Monarchs in one place in such a short period of time (maybe five minutes)!  After noticing strong south winds most of the day, I realized that the sky was calm as the Monarchs were flying about.  I wonder if they had all laid low for most of the day before continuing their journey south under calmer conditions.
 
Matt Medler
Shelburne/Charlotte