For just a few weeks, Virginia’s Eastern Shore is host to what is one of the world’s most spectacular natural wonders—the eastern monarch migration.
By Rachel Kester
Situated along the Atlantic Flyway (a historic migration route for numerous species), the region is visited by swarms of monarchs beginning in early September and peaking around mid-October.
“[Monarchs] are coming down the coast to where we are,” said Nancy Barnhart, the monarch migration program coordinator for Coastal Virginia Wildlife Observatory (CVWO). “They’re just flying along on land looking for food sources, and when they get to the end of Delmarva, they fly across the bay and continue on their southwestern route.” These hardy insects are following their ancient instincts as they make their way to central Mexico’s oyamel fir forests for overwintering, or living through the winter.
Viewing the Super Generation
Known as the super generation, these long-distance-migrating monarchs are born in the late summer and early autumn. They are born with special strength and longevity. Unlike the previous three generations (they’re the fourth), which live only about six weeks, these monarchs can live for up to eight months and can fly approximately 3,000 miles for migration. Their offspring will eventually make their way north, a few months later, to spring breeding grounds and start the cycle once more.
“They’re strong fliers,” Barnhart said. “Monarchs look like they’re floating around, but they’re purposeful, too. They have a plan. They know where they’re going. It’s just impressive knowing what these insects are doing.”
One can spot monarchs almost anywhere around the region, but thanks to the Eastern Shore’s location within the flyway, the shore is the best bet for the most dramatic experiences. This is especially so at places such as the Eastern Shore of Virginia National Wildlife Refuge and Kiptopeke State Park, which is where CVWO conducts its yearly monarch monitoring.
“Kiptopeke State Park is a really wonderful place,” Barnhart said. “We have vast fields of goldenrod and other native plants.” Goldenrods, true to their name, are vibrant yellow flowers filled with juicy nectar that can give monarchs energy for their flights. The hawk watch platform at Kiptopeke is a great place to start observing monarchs, as the platform is surrounded by goldenrod.
Fluctuating Populations
While monarchs faithfully appear each year, their numbers ebb and flow. “We’ve had from 300 in a season to close to 1,200 in a season,” Barnhart said. “It really does vary.”
The monarch population began dropping in the mid-1990s due to growing factors such as pesticides, habitat loss, and climate change. In the United States, the butterfly is not federally protected. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has proposed listing monarchs as threatened.
A 2024 U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service status assessment noted that by 2080, eastern monarchs could face up to 74 percent extinction rates if more isn’t done. There are clear improvements. A 2025 survey by Mexico’s National Commission of Protected Natural Areas and World Wildlife Fund-Mexico found that overwintering eastern monarch populations covered 4.42 acres in the country’s oyamel fir forests—almost double the amount from 2024.
CVWO has been monitoring monarchs at Kiptopeke State Park since 1997 to help study the declining species’ population and distribution. Each season, CVWO’s biologist conducts a physical assessment of captured butterflies, recording aspects such as weight and wing condition. A handful are also tagged, including at public demonstrations at the park’s hawk watch platform. “People are just transfixed,” Barnhart said. “When she’s done, she’ll hand a monarch to one of the visitors to release.…It’s quite magical to hold one and let it go.”
Tagged CVWO monarchs have been found everywhere from North Carolina to Mexico. “A couple of years ago we had two recoveries found back-to-back days [in Mexico],” Barnhart said.
Tips for Viewing
If you plan to view the migration, don’t go into the adventure expecting swarms of monarchs instantly parading in front of you. While it’s definitely possible to see several at once in the open, just keep your senses aware—it’s often how you’ll come across the most magical moments.
One or two might be resting on tree branches almost camouflaged with leaves giving way to autumnal hues. Some are a bit more rambunctious, boldly floating across the sky; others can be found perusing goldenrod fields mingling with other pollinators in search of a snack—an opportunity to see just how impressive their four-inch wingspan is compared to other butterflies and moths.
You should have multiple observation dates and stay dedicated to the cause. Some days there might only be a few, while others, several—something which is usually weather dependent. For instance, if there’s a north wind, you’ll likely see many, as the gusts help push them south.
Late morning is often prime viewing time as it becomes warm enough for monarchs to fly. If you visit early enough, just after sunrise, you might find them still roosting on trees; and of course, don’t forget binoculars.
Creating a Waystation
But if you’re unable to travel to see the migration at these places, consider making your own yard a monarch paradise. Whether by creating a monarch waystation (a monarch-dedicated garden) or planting native flowers and milkweed in a pot, it all contributes to helping save this incredible species. The latter especially contributes, as milkweed is the sole host plant for monarch eggs and caterpillars, which rely on its leaves for nourishment.
“In general, we need all native species to be present to have a healthy ecosystem,” Barnhart said. “Monarchs are a little bit of a poster child. Everyone loves them. They’re beautiful.”
Rachel Kester
