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left arrowarrow left1998, Table I b  -  Page 2
Gliderport in region of Lexington, Nebraska;  September 13, 16 1998;
Co-ordinates (approx.) = 40°50'N, 99°50'W;  Altitude (approx.)= 728 msl;  
Magnetic Declination = 8°E (Add 8° for True);  Magnetic Inclination = 69°;  
Observer:  Steve Loudon
Obs.    Species    Date
(Time)		 Flight Behavior Weather Field Notes
I     II     III IV Va Vb Part 1 Part 2 Part 3
Obs.
 Alt.*  		 Type
of Flt.		 Horiz.
Path 		Vert.
Path 		Mag.
Bear.		 Mag.
Head.		 Wind
Dir.		  Wind 
Vel.		 Amb.
Temp.		 Thrm.
Act.		 Cloud 
Types 
1 Danaus plexippus Sept. 13 1,524 m
(4,000 ft)		 - - - - - - - - yes
(assumed)		 -

Pilots Log:  Monarch at 4,000 ft agl**
2

D. plexippus

 Sept. 16 1,494 m
(4,900 ft)		 soaring - - - - - - - yes - Pilots Log:  Lots of monarchs at 4,900 ft agl  soaring in strong lift  with corn husks (and) flapping only to avid collision...
*Observed altitude above the ground.  **agl = Above Ground Level

Comments by Gibo:  I assumed that thermals were present on Sept. 13 because the standard aero tow for a glider is only to 2,000 ft.   Encountering large bits of debris that have been carried aloft in a strong thermal is not that unusual an experience for glider pilots.    Finally, Steve Loudon had a letter on page 5 of   the September issue of Soaring Magazine informing SSA (Soaring Society of America) members about his gliding club in Nebraska and showing off  their newly restored Ka-8B glider.   Hopefully, the club members  will see many monarch butterflies over the years from this classic "floater".

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