Welcome...Fall's
Journey South is Underway!
September - December, 2009 >>
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"Journey South News" updates are the core of Journey North. They are published on this Web site and by e-mail. These updates include the latest migration maps and data, and they summarize news about the migrations and seasonal events we are tracking. The calendar is different for each species and seasonal event. Check it out!
Quick links to each news story are listed below...
The ultralights and whoopers are five weeks and 185.4 miles into their journey south. The week was off to a jubilant start with their longest flight so far (55 miles) and a milestone 10,000th air mile for Operation Migration. Since arriving in LaSalle County, IL, they've been stalled 5 days by wind, rain, fog and today's deer-rifle-hunting season opener. But see exciting photos, a slide show on Chris's new engine, a video clip at roost check, & a classroom visit by the team. Photo: Operation Migration
Visit the Symbolic Butterfly Capital of the World at the Journey North headquarters. There are beautiful butterflies everywhere! Your symbolic butterflies are almost ready for their big shipment to Mexico. Take a look at the 2009 Art Gallery. It is filled with hand-crafted butterflies of all kinds. And visit the map where each dot represents a classroom participating. Add your dot, too. It’s not too late.
Gardeners are digging in now that the rains of October are passed. Two hundred twenty gardens are in so far. Read a sampling of enthusiastic garden reports. And view a new slideshow about critters in the garden. Find out how to meet a global garden partner and how to design a plan for a microclimate garden. Can YOU meet our challenge?
The long journey south is coming to a close, as millions of monarchs reach the winter sanctuaries in Mexico. People point to the sky as they welcome the butterflies. "¡Bienvenidos monarcas!" they say in Mexico. This is a time of celebration! Imagine the stories these butterflies could tell. Each began life as a tiny egg. Think of the challenges they've overcome and the distances they've traveled! Image: Felipe Martinez, RBMM
This news just in: The monarchs arrived in large numbers yesterday at Mexico's winter sanctuary region. The news was announced by biologist Eduardo Rendon. "Today, all of the roads that lead to the Monarch Reserve are full of butterflies." We'll be back next week with our final migration update of the season. Meanwhile, picture millions of monarchs flying across the finish line as they complete their long migration. Congratulations, monarchs!
How are the changing seasons affecting YOU? Take a minute and think of the ways. Study the Earth viewed from the moon. How has the sunlight and shadow changed since last month? Amazing things happen with each season. Learn about the millions of butterflies that observers reported in October. Why do you think they call this butterfly a snout? Photo: Mike Quinn
We know at least three ruby-throated hummingbirds have reached their winter home in Costa Rica! Patricia Nethercote announced the news from her backyard in Guayabo de Bagaces, and she sent snapshots to prove it. Meanwhile, our migration maps show hummingbirds are going, going, and almost gone from Cananda and much of the United States. If you are still seeing hummingbirds, please let us know! Photo: Patricia Nethercote
Happy Fall Equinox! Autumn begins in the Northern Hemisphere on September 22nd. It's a good time to begin to explore the Mystery Class investigation. Do you "wonder" what this global game of hide-and-seek is all about? Explore the relationship between the sunlight and seasons. Begin close to home by observing the seasonal changes taking place in your own town. Watch for additional "Countdown" messages each month until Mystery Class begins in February.
Help
Track Monarch Butterfly Migration to Mexico!
"Citizen scientists" are contributing
important information about monarch migration. We hope you're ready to
help! Find
out how to report your sightings and track the migration on live maps.
Weekly
FALL MIGRATION UPDATES will be posted here every Thursday,
from September to November.
The
Symbolic Migration: Send
a Monarch to Mexico!
The 14th annual Symbolic Migration is about to begin. Children
across North America are invited to make and send their own monarch ambassadors
to Mexico this fall.
Whooping
Crane Migration
Follow the story of more than 20 endangered Whooping Crane chicks
making their first journey south as ultralight airplane "parents"
teach them the way. Learn about the cranes from egg to first flight. Then
join their first migration from October to December
Journey
North Tulip Test Gardens
Plant a test garden this fall so you can track the sweep of spring
across the Northern Hemisphere as your tulips burst forth and bloom. This
annual international experiment begins underground each fall when you
plant your own tulip test garden bulbs. Join the fun!
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