Monarchs Are Migrating Through Now

September 20, 2026

Today, many Monarchs (Danaus plexippus) gathering at the Goldenrod (Solidago) on the back hill, two, three, even eight at a time. Getting the nectar they need to go south on their long journey to their winter home. Today’s event went on for hours after they were first discovered, until the sun was setting.

Twice before I’ve witnessed Monarch migration, many years ago when the cabin was relatively new. Two years in a row, flying for the most part above the cabin on their way south, a few at a time, a constant stream, all day long.

I managed to get many photos today, but right now I’m unable to get to them, so this image of a Monarch on Wild Ageratum (Conoclinium coelestinum) will represent the event for now.

What a remarkable thing to witness.

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Published by

Brenda Clements Jones

Brenda is a certified Virginia Master Naturalist, a Habitat Defender for Shenandoah National Park, and a devoted fan of Mother Nature. She lives in a cabin in the Blue Ridge Mountains near Shenandoah National Park, and hikes up to the higher elevations of her mountain often to see what nature is up to. Her constant hiking companion is a camera that captures nature as it unfolds through the seasons. It’s her goal to share the natural world around her through her photographs.

6 thoughts on “Monarchs Are Migrating Through Now”

  1. We still had at least one here in western Maine yesterday. It was 39 degrees this morning and rained all day today so we will see if it’s still here tomorrow.

    1. Oh MY Leigh! 39° this morning! Maine might be the place for me. I adore winter, my favorite season, though most around here think that I’m totally crazy. I sure do wish there were some way to know where these critters (Monarchs and R/T Hummingbirds) are coming from. I’ve suggested that they wear t-shirts with the name of their hometowns, or maybe stickers on their luggage but somehow that just never happens.
      Bren

    1. Hi Sharon! Aren’t they beautiful butterflies! Today has been foggy and rainy. Not weather for migration. I hope it clears up soon, so they can make more progress toward their destination!
      So very glad you read my posts!
      Bren

  3. Hi Brenda, your monarch reminds me of how I got over a fear of butterflies getting in my hair. In the ’70s, we were at a cottage in Canada on Lake Ontario (yes Lake Ontario) with an outdoor john. In the morning I realized that a tree between me and it was covered in thousands of monarchs. The most extraordinary sight. There was nothing for it but to go past and I did. It was still too chilly for any of them to stir, and there ended my fear of butterflies.

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