Just when we thought all of the perks of living in North Carolina were already perfectly laid out in front of us, the magical northerly springtime migration of millions and millions of Monarch butterflies is about to turn that tide. Each autumn, the Monarchs migrate south to winter in Mexico. Conversely, each spring they migrate northward again. That means that you can get a front-row seat to the monarch butterflies in North Carolina this spring when they head back north!
In previous years, the Monarch migration was quite impressive. Nearly 300 million beautiful butterflies headed back north during the spring! This year, the numbers aren’t quite as high, but we can still expect to see these incredible creatures throughout our state.
Flickr/Peter Miller
The U.S. map seen here shows the usual flight paths for the winged creatures — and the Carolinas are a virtual MONARCH SUPER HIGHWAY!
U.S. Department of Agriculture/Forest Service
From early May through early August we can expect millions and millions of them to swarm through North Carolina roosting and feeding upon our cozy and tasty flora.
Flickr/USFWS Midwest Region
It’s no coincidence that our state flower, the blossom of the flowering dogwood, is such a treat for the Monarchs. If you’re lucky, you’ll get to witness an entire swarm (also called a kaleidoscope) of Monarch butterflies where you live.
Flickr/ Johanna Madjedi
When will they be most abundant? According to an interactive map on the U.S. Forest Service website, the best times to see them in North Carolina are from May through July.
U.S. Department of Agriculture/Forest Service
We’re thrilled at the news that millions of monarch butterflies are heading through our great state. While the population fluctuates every year, we hope to see millions of monarch butterflies in North Carolina this spring. Are you planning anything special to see them? Be sure to share your sightings and photos with us!
Flickr/Peter Miller
U.S. Department of Agriculture/Forest Service
Flickr/USFWS Midwest Region
Flickr/ Johanna Madjedi
North Carolina is filled with amazing natural attractions… keep reading here to learn about eight of them!
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The OIYS Visitor Center
Monarch Butterflies In North Carolina April 05, 2020 Marisa Roman What other animals migrate to North Carolina in the spring? Butterfly migration in North Carolina is just one of the special springtime events that take place for the state. There are plenty of other animals that migrate through the state when the warmer weather hits. In fact, from mid-March through mid-May, North Carolina’s peak migration season for birds takes place! For those bird-watchers out there, you can expect to find quite a few heading through North Carolina during this time. Keep an eye out for the Purple Martin, Louisiana Waterthrush, Barn Swallow, Chimney Swift, Least Tern, Broad-winged Hawk, and Ruby-throated Hummingbird. For more on the hummingbird migration in North Carolina, click here. What are the best signs of spring in North Carolina? While North Carolina doesn’t get as cold as many of the other states up north, there is still an excitement that comes about when spring finally hits. So how do you know when spring in North Carolina is here? A few signs to keep out include trees budding, butterflies arriving, and of course, blooms on flowers. According to the Farmer’s Almanac, blooms of daffodils and hyacinths are often the first signs of spring in NC. How can I best enjoy nature in North Carolina? There are so many different options for enjoying nature in North Carolina, especially when springtime rolls around. Whether it be hiking, mountain climbing, kayaking, or simply enjoying the outdoors on a forested trail, there is a ton to do. But if you want to enjoy nature in NC with some of the best of the best, we have a few good options to choose from. Check out these 8 incredible natural attractions in North Carolina this spring.
The OIYS Visitor Center
Monarch Butterflies In North Carolina
April 05, 2020
Marisa Roman
What other animals migrate to North Carolina in the spring? Butterfly migration in North Carolina is just one of the special springtime events that take place for the state. There are plenty of other animals that migrate through the state when the warmer weather hits. In fact, from mid-March through mid-May, North Carolina’s peak migration season for birds takes place! For those bird-watchers out there, you can expect to find quite a few heading through North Carolina during this time. Keep an eye out for the Purple Martin, Louisiana Waterthrush, Barn Swallow, Chimney Swift, Least Tern, Broad-winged Hawk, and Ruby-throated Hummingbird. For more on the hummingbird migration in North Carolina, click here. What are the best signs of spring in North Carolina? While North Carolina doesn’t get as cold as many of the other states up north, there is still an excitement that comes about when spring finally hits. So how do you know when spring in North Carolina is here? A few signs to keep out include trees budding, butterflies arriving, and of course, blooms on flowers. According to the Farmer’s Almanac, blooms of daffodils and hyacinths are often the first signs of spring in NC. How can I best enjoy nature in North Carolina? There are so many different options for enjoying nature in North Carolina, especially when springtime rolls around. Whether it be hiking, mountain climbing, kayaking, or simply enjoying the outdoors on a forested trail, there is a ton to do. But if you want to enjoy nature in NC with some of the best of the best, we have a few good options to choose from. Check out these 8 incredible natural attractions in North Carolina this spring.
The OIYS Visitor Center
The OIYS Visitor Center
Butterfly migration in North Carolina is just one of the special springtime events that take place for the state. There are plenty of other animals that migrate through the state when the warmer weather hits. In fact, from mid-March through mid-May, North Carolina’s peak migration season for birds takes place! For those bird-watchers out there, you can expect to find quite a few heading through North Carolina during this time. Keep an eye out for the Purple Martin, Louisiana Waterthrush, Barn Swallow, Chimney Swift, Least Tern, Broad-winged Hawk, and Ruby-throated Hummingbird. For more on the hummingbird migration in North Carolina, click here.
What are the best signs of spring in North Carolina?
While North Carolina doesn’t get as cold as many of the other states up north, there is still an excitement that comes about when spring finally hits. So how do you know when spring in North Carolina is here? A few signs to keep out include trees budding, butterflies arriving, and of course, blooms on flowers. According to the Farmer’s Almanac, blooms of daffodils and hyacinths are often the first signs of spring in NC.
How can I best enjoy nature in North Carolina?
There are so many different options for enjoying nature in North Carolina, especially when springtime rolls around. Whether it be hiking, mountain climbing, kayaking, or simply enjoying the outdoors on a forested trail, there is a ton to do. But if you want to enjoy nature in NC with some of the best of the best, we have a few good options to choose from. Check out these 8 incredible natural attractions in North Carolina this spring.
