A Butterfly Migration Super Highway Could Bring Millions Of Monarchs Through New Hampshire This Fall

A lot of people are ready to see the end of 2020 hoping that 2021 will bring a bit more calm to the world. While we're not necessarily disagreeing with that idea, we do like to see some of the good things that 2020 has brought. From where we sit, New Hampshire has really made the best of this. The state has proven to be the same beauty we always knew it to be, and if you look hard enough you'll find some special things. On that list is the annual fall migration of the Monarch butterflies, which might allow us to see these beauties up-close. Here's the lowdown!

You might remember us telling you about the Monarch migration back in the spring. And perhaps you’re wondering why we’re talking about it again. Simple! The Monarch made their way north for the summer and now they’re headed back south to Mexico.

Each year, millions of these butterflies make the trip from Mexico to Canada passing through the United States on their way. It’s an incredible sight to see and we’re expecting to see some of it right here in New Hampshire.

After they fly through the Granite State they’ll continue on until they reach their final destination in Mexico where they’ll stay until spring. That’s when they head back up north for the summer.

This migration “super highway” is also called “the flyway” and essentially refers to their route.

Not all butterflies make this journey and some species of Monarchs don’t even make the trip. Luckily the ones that do tend to have larger wings and brighter colors making them easier to spot.

While Monarch wings can look fragile, the butterflies themselves are strong and able. In fact, they can travel anywhere between 50 and 100 miles every day!

When night falls they gather closely together to sleep in pack within trees or bushes.

Parts of the country are just beginning to see the start of this fall migration and it’s expected to pick up between now and November.

Have you spotted any Monarchs yet? If you have, let us know where! And if you'd like to be a part of the tracking click here to report your sightings.

Another reason to love fall in the Granite State is the changing leaves. You can see the most breathtaking fall foliage from the water on the Mount Washington Cruise in New Hampshire.