Monday, October 6, 2014

Monarch Migration Time!

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It’s time for the monarch butterfly migration toward Mexico!  In past posts, I’ve written about the monarchs, planting a butterfly garden, and even butterfly book reviews.  This time, I thought I’d show you how easy it is to tag monarchs, using tags from Monarch Watch. I spent a recent fall afternoon helping tag monarch butterflies at Sky Meadows State Park in VA.  monarchrelease2It’s easy!  You simply catch the butterfly, attach a tag to the wing area that looks like a tiny mitten (the program provides diagrams), and then release the butterfly!  monarchrelease4This strong little insect will then attempt to fly all the way to Mexico, and you’ve just provided a valuable tool to scientists who are trying to learn about migration patterns and population size.Four Wings and a Prayer: Monarch Butterflies and the Magic of Everyday Life

Want to learn more about the monarchs and their migration?  Be sure to check out Four Wings and a Prayer by Sue Halpern. 

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