Every fall Monarch Butterflies by the thousands migrate through North Texas on their way the high mountain fir forests of central Mexico. I noticed my first one of the season early this morning, while walking through Arbor Hills Nature Preserve in Plano. Then I noticed another and another. The migration is definitely on.
Its a remarkable long distance journey these small insects make every fall and spring. Their migration can begin as far north as Canada, and is aided by favorable weather patterns which can carry these butterflies quite far. The prevailing winds can also lift these insects high in the air. When I worked in downtown Dallas a few years ago I noticed Monarch Butterflies flying by our 40th story windows regularly during late September and through October.
Observation Details
| County | – | Denton | |
| City | – | Plano | |
| Date | – | September 25, 2011 | |
| Time of Day | – | Morning | |
| Temperature | – | Warm (70-89°F/21-32°C) | |
| Weather | – | Clear | |
| Habitat | – | Recreation-Park | |
| Type of Behavior | – | Migration | |
| Gender | – | Female | |
| Maturity | – | Adult | |
| Observer | – | Chris Jackson |
