With thousands of Monarch butterflies migrating across the United States to their wintering grounds in Mexico and California, citizen scientists have helped the nonprofit group Monarch Watch annual tagging. Start anytime after the first week of August, though your best bet is September. Buy tags 25 for $15. Use nets 24 inches deep to avoid harming the butterfly's wings. Handle them carefully, and place the tag mid-hind wing. Be sure to *submit* your data to the website listed below. It does not help them if you do not submit your location. Then check online next year to see where "your" butterflies spent the winter. (Information for National Audubon magazine, July-Aug 2010, page 20)
Main website of Monarch Watch http://www.monarchwatch.org/ For details on how to tag butterflies http://www.monarchwatch.org/tagmig/tag.htm Thanks Diane Jadlowski Richmond Audubon Society Publicity Chair
