Monarchs and Milkweeds

Congratulations and thank you to everyone who participated in the inaugural EcoQuest, Monarch Butterflies and Milkweeds. Your passion for nature and community are the essence of Citizen Science. The following statistics are for Milkweed and Monarch Butterfly related observations made in the five boroughs of New York City from August 1 to August 31, 2017.

A total of 318 observations were made in all five boroughs of the City (Bronx, 210; Manhattan, 61; Staten Island, 24; Brooklyn, 18; Queens, 5). During the same period (Aug. 1–31) fellow naturalists across the country logged the following numbers of Milkweed observations: California, 274; Texas, 141; Chicago, 63; Washington, D.C., 41; Boston, 4.

Twenty-two species of plants and animals were observed. The Common Milkweed was observed most frequently (96), followed by the Large Milkweed Bug (45), Swamp Milkweed (33), Monarch Butterfly (29), and Butterfly Milkweed (28). The rare Green Comet Milkweed was observed twice from the same location in Staten Island.

Fifty-four naturalists contributed Milkweed observations in New York City. Congratulations to plnthunter22 who made 25 observations of 8 species!! That's almost one Milkweed observation every day of the month.

• @plnthunter22: 25
• @donrecklies: 22
• @ansel_oommen: 22
• @dottiew: 21
• @danielatha: 17
• @susanhewitt: 14
• @bkmertz: 14
• @margela: 13
• @micelych: 13
• @tmcondeza: 13

The days are getting shorter and the nights are cooler. The Milkweeds are gone to seed and the Monarchs have begun the long trip to their winter home in Mexico. Traveling with them are flocks of birds in search of American Pokeweed berries. The September EcoQuest challenges all New Yorkers to photograph Pokeweed plants and animal/Pokeweed interactions in their communities. Every observation helps reveal the true distribution and importance of this fascinating native plant.

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POKEWEED PURSUIT

Stats for September 1–7, 2017

Twenty-four naturalists from four boroughs have made 156 Pokeweed observations this month. During the same seven day period last year, there were no Pokeweed observations. Zero!

Observations: 156

Places: Bronx, 83; Manhattan, 64; Queens, 6; Brooklyn, 3; Staten Island, 0

Observers: @danielatha, 50; @bioethics, 20; @elizajsyh, 17; @laura622, 17; @margela, 9; @micelych, 9

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POKEWEED PURSUIT

Stats for September 1–14, 2017

Fifty-two naturalists have made 357 Pokeweed observations this month. Check out the amazing observation and video by @cathyweiner of a Rose-breasted Grosbeak feeding on Pokeweed berries. You can see the juice running down it's beak!

Observations: 406

Places: Bronx, 244; Manhattan, 108; Queens, 33; Brooklyn, 7; Staten Island, 7

Observers: @danielatha, 89; @plnthunter22, 62; @bioethics, 55; @laura622, 49; @elizajsyh, 17; @dottiew, 16; @mpitaro, 11; @margela, 9; @micelych, 9; @cbarron, 7; @nick115, 7.

We can reach 1,000 Pokeweed observations this month!

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POKEWEED PURSUIT

Stats for September 15–22, 2017

Seventy-seven naturalists have made 495 Pokeweed observations in New York City so far this month. That's over half the total (874) for the same period across the entire continent from Panama to Greenland! The map of Pokeweed distribution in the City is getting much closer to reality, but there are still many undocumented Pokeweed patches all over the City. Don’t be pokey – only one week remaining to pursue Pokeweed in September!

Observations: 495
Places: Bronx, 265; Manhattan, 148; Queens, 40; Staten Island, 22; Brooklyn, 12.
Observers: @danielatha, 92; @plnthunter22, 80; @bioethics, 55; @laura622, 49; @dottiew, 20.

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