Monarchs in Sierra Foothills (Calif. USA)

[Patricia and Jeff Harding]

We found Monarchs (Danaus plexippus) on the American River
near Auburn, CA, USA on Sunday April 19, 1998.  We also
found one near Fourney, CA (West of  Red Bluff) on Friday
April 17, 1998.
There were also good numbers of pipevine swallowtails
(Battus philenor) nectaring on brodeas on the American
River.
In four days in northern California we only saw one painted
lady (Vanessa cardui), a very faded individual west of Red
Bluff.  Not much of a migration there!
Cheers, Jeff