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October 26, 2017
Eastern Shore Monarch Highway
On a late-morning walk along Bozman-Neavitt Road on Maryland's Eastern Shore, my wife and I saw Monarch after Monarch traveling south along the highway, including one that must have gotten hit by a car (I removed it from the roadway and took its photo, above).
Got to wondering, do Monarchs often head south for the winter on highways, just like "snowbirds"?
Found this on the Smithsonian website:
" A highway, with its constant noise and air pollution, might seem like an unlikely habitat for a sensitive species. But, because the road is already there and contiguous, it makes sense for a right-of-way.
"According to the report, highways “are generally maintained in sunny areas with low vegetation height (ideal pollinator habitat), and often extend for considerable distances, thereby potentially acting as corridors for species movement and adaptation to climate change.”
Read more here.
6 comments
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it is likely, this one ran out of gas. the monarchs are lingering up in Jersey much too long, but with the abundance of nectar plants, they don’t want to go
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monarchs migrate to Mexico in the fall
. cape may is a lay over spot, we have had a very good year -
The monarchs seem to be everywhere we are this year. Took a boat trip last weekend around Cape May and we saw monarchs heading south over the ocean!
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another interesting thing. When we do the bird survey in Newark I often find interesting insects. One time it was a slew of Swamp Darners who migrate themselves found in the same places we find the birds. last week it was an Amberwing dragon fly and some sort of weevil. Makes me wonder if the birds are chasing the insect highway or the insects and birds are using the same winds and highways along the Atlantic flyway. Isn’t nature just wonderful?
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Thanks Jim! I’ve wondered why I see monarchs flying over an along rt 17 and crossing rt 46,, that explains it.
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So interesting thanks
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6 comments
linda
it is likely, this one ran out of gas. the monarchs are lingering up in Jersey much too long, but with the abundance of nectar plants, they don’t want to go
linda
monarchs migrate to Mexico in the fall
. cape may is a lay over spot, we have had a very good year
Diane L
The monarchs seem to be everywhere we are this year. Took a boat trip last weekend around Cape May and we saw monarchs heading south over the ocean!
Mary Kostus
another interesting thing. When we do the bird survey in Newark I often find interesting insects. One time it was a slew of Swamp Darners who migrate themselves found in the same places we find the birds. last week it was an Amberwing dragon fly and some sort of weevil. Makes me wonder if the birds are chasing the insect highway or the insects and birds are using the same winds and highways along the Atlantic flyway. Isn’t nature just wonderful?
Mary
Thanks Jim! I’ve wondered why I see monarchs flying over an along rt 17 and crossing rt 46,, that explains it.
Sally teschon
So interesting thanks