I know that many people loved this summer's temperatures. It was lovely, rarely putting on the air conditioning, not needing to shower several times a day to cool down, being able to eat indoors and not sweat buckets. Unfortunately, as I am fond of saying there is always a yin and ying to things. Monarch butterflies did not do so well in this weather.
The summer's cool temperatures have had monarch butterflies giving each other the cold shoulder and that means far fewer of them passing through the GTA this week on their annual migration to Mexico.
In fact, some researchers say the number overwintering in Mexico this year could be the lowest since 2004. Cool and rainy periods in most of the breeding areas this summer slowed down their metabolism and reproduction.
Experts who track monarchs say the number being seen in Tommy Thompson Park, at the foot of Leslie Street are far fewer in number.
Monarch butterflies usually live six to eight weeks. The ones that leave Canada in the fall are two or three generations removed from those that first arrive in Canada. In March, they'll start north again, following a trail of milkweed-the sole food source for monarch caterpillars.
Who knew-milkweed. Much like Pandas but migratory!
We need to make sure that milkweed thrives in order for the Monarchs to continue their annual migrations.
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2 comments:
Hi Nora!
I'm reading through your blog, starting with 2009 and find it quite lively and interesting. You have such a wide range of interests from life in nature and how to preserve it (monarch butterflies, manatees, sea otters, etc.) to architecture, music, education, math and so much more.
As it happens, on the subject of milkweed.... I did know about how important they are to butterfly populations. It's the reason why I never pulled them out of my front garden when they seeded there. I'm sure many people who saw the garden thought it was more than unruly, but downright weedy and chaotic. I never did much to tame it so the ferns spread outrageously.
However, as I write both front and back gardens are in the process of being tamed (front) and replanted (back). Two milkweed plants are making their spindly way up from the earth. I say "Live and let live!"
I notice you haven't added much to your blog since the accident. I hope you will get back to writing it since I've already enjoyed and learned so much from reading 2012's posts. I'm sure others would be delighted to be "kept up to date," too.
Appreciatively, Zoya
Hi Nora!
I'm reading through your blog, starting with 2009 and find it quite lively and interesting. You have such a wide range of interests from life in nature and how to preserve it (monarch butterflies, manatees, sea otters, etc.) to architecture, music, education, math and so much more.
As it happens, on the subject of milkweed.... I did know about how important they are to butterfly populations. It's the reason why I never pulled them out of my front garden when they seeded there. I'm sure many people who saw the garden thought it was more than unruly, but downright weedy and chaotic. I never did much to tame it so the ferns spread outrageously.
However, as I write both front and back gardens are in the process of being tamed (front) and replanted (back). Two milkweed plants are making their spindly way up from the earth. I say "Live and let live!"
I notice you haven't added much to your blog since the accident. I hope you will get back to writing it since I've already enjoyed and learned so much from reading 2012's posts. I'm sure others would be delighted to be "kept up to date," too.
Appreciatively, Zoya
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