Royal Wind Vanes Visit Oklahoma
By Derek Arndt
Climatologist
Oklahoma Climatological Survey
9/11/03

NORMAN - It is the second week of September, and the advance fleet of the Monarch 
butterfly population is beginning to arrive across much of the state. The larger population 
is still a couple of weeks away, but you can get a complimentary weather observation 
from the early-bird (or is it "early-bug"?) butterflies.

Monarchs migrate with the sun: northbound in the spring and southbound in the fall.  The 
groups that migrate through Oklahoma in September and October are on their way to 
Mexico to fatten up and stay for the winter.

Monarchs are very light and lack the strength to fly against significant winds.  In fact, 
they're programmed to hitch a ride on Mother Nature's zephyrs when conditions are 
favorable, instead of flapping their way to their destination.

For the next few weeks, take note of what the Monarch population is doing.  If the 
butterflies are sailing high in the air, winds are probably from the north and the royal 
bugs are covering miles on their journey to Mexico.  If the butterflies are fluttering near 
the ground and feeding, it's a sign that southerly winds prevail.  Instead of spending 
precious energy fighting the southerly currents, they stay near the ground (where winds 
are normally lighter) and recharge their batteries with some delicious nectar!

Media Contact:				For Additional Information:

Cerry Leffler 					Derek Arndt
Oklahoma Climatological Survey		Climatologist
100 E. Boyd, Suite 1210			100 E. Boyd, Suite 1210	
Norman, OK   73019-1012			Norman, OK   73019-1012
405-325-2541					405-325-2541
405-325-2550 (fax)				405-325-2550 (fax)
cerry@ou.edu					darndt@ou.edu