AP: Mexico sees sign of hope for Monarch butterflies

[Omaha Steve]

http://apnews.excite.com/article/20140923/lt--mexico-monarch_butterflies-618803d5f9.html

By MARK STEVENSON

MEXICO CITY (AP) — Experts in Mexico said Tuesday there is a tentative sign of hope for the mass migration of monarch butterflies, whose numbers dropped to their lowest level ever last year.

The head of Mexico's nature reserves, Luis Fueyo, said the first butterflies have been seen entering Mexico earlier than usual this year.


FILE - In this Feb. 26, 2009 file photo, monarch butterflies gather on top of flowers at the Monarch Butterfly Biosphere Reserve, near the town of Chincua, Mexico. The head of Mexico{2019}s nature reserves, Luis Fueyo, said Tuesday, Sept. 23, 2014, the first butterflies have been seen entering Mexico earlier than usual this year. He said it is too early to say whether butterfly numbers will rebound this year from a series of sharp drops, but {201c}this premature presence could be the prelude to an increase in the migration.{201d} (AP Photo/Marco Ugarte, File)


Fueyo said it is too early to say whether butterfly numbers will rebound this year from a series of sharp drops, but noted "this premature presence could be the prelude to an increase in the migration."

He said the first butterflies have been sighted in the northern border state of Coahuila. Most normally arrive in October from the United States and Canada, where they spend the summer.

FULL story at link.

[CentralMass]

1. Lets hope that it is a good sign. My wife and I were dscussing and we don't recall seeing any this

summer in MA and that is unusual.

Here is bit of a bummer related article.

http://hereandnow.wbur.org/2014/01/31/monarch-butterfly-population

[Eleanors38]

2. They normally pass through Balcones Canyonland Wildlife

Refuge (west of Austin) in such numbers that group tours were organized for viewing. Not so much lately.

[Peacetrain]

3. This is a joy to read.. I have had the migration overnight in my backyard

Happened about 15 years ago.. and there were literally 1000's of monarchs in our trees.. It was one of the most amazing sights I have ever seen..

[Algernon Moncrieff]

4. We saw a bunch last week

Glad to hear this!