What makes a monarch sighting useful?
A strong sighting record is specific, honest about uncertainty and quick enough to complete while the details are fresh.
September 18, 2026 · 4 min read
Start with time and place
Record the date, local time and the most accurate location you are comfortable sharing. If you do not know the coordinates, a truthful place name is better than a guessed map point.
Count what you can verify
For a few butterflies, record an exact count. For a moving group or roost, note that the count is an estimate and briefly describe how you arrived at it.
Add life stage, behavior, flowers or milkweed, weather and tag information only when you can see them clearly. Unknown is a useful answer.
Keep the original context
A short note about wind, temperature, habitat and observation duration can explain why a count differs from nearby reports. Photos can support identification, but they do not replace field notes.