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I participated in the Harris Ranch NABA fall count and our territory was in Midland County very near the Upton County line just east of Midkiff, Texas. The monarchs were roosting when we arrived near 10:00am. It was overcast and the temp was 61 degrees when we got there. We needed validation for what we were seeing, so we contacted another count team to join us we estimate conservatilvey 20,000-25,000 roosting monarchs throughout the trees on this half section of land. Because of the coolness they were roosting all morning and into the early afternoon. We stirred them up as we walked, but they went back to roost. At 2:00pm the sun came out and the temp increased to 71F. The monarchs lifted off and it was not unlike being at a bat cave at dusk. We did find one Monarch with a tag prior to lift off it is photo #344... There were four observers prior to lift off...Ten monarchs were tagged from this location, after lift off...
All these photos are untouched.