The 2025 monarch migration has begun, with observers in Minnesota and Michigan reporting relatively high numbers compared to recent years. According to a blog post by Dr Karen Oberhauser of Journey North, for the first time in years, monarchs have had good conditions throughout the eastern breeding range. And because of the lessening of drought conditions in Texas, this luck should continue, with nectar supplies available for the final part of their flight and their overwintering needs.
Here in Central PA, many observers have commented on the larger number of monarchs they’ve spotted, and we’ve noticed this at the SBG as well. As always, SBG volunteers will be tagging monarchs this September in partnership with Monarch Watch. Data collected will help researchers understand migration patterns, survival rates, and the many challenges monarchs face.
