The Velvet Oyster

03/17/2026

09/22/2022

The Monarchs are coming! Typically, Monarch butterflies, (Danaus plexippus), can be seen migrating through Assateague Island National Seashore from mid-September through mid-October.

Monarch butterflies located all over the North American continent East of the Rocky Mountains migrate to Central Mexico for the winter.

This year September 20th through the 27th might be the optimal time to see them as they fly through our area. The peak day could be September 24th.

Monarchs migrate during the day. Flying up to 100 miles in a day. As they descend from the sky they gather in large groups, called a roost or a bivouac to overnight.

Venture out to Assateague in the early daylight hours to catch a glimpse of the roosting Monarchs. They can be found gathered in the Groundsel bushes and the Goldenrod located along the edges of the roadways and forests. Late summer bloomers, Groundsel and Goldenrod provide nutritious nectar to many species of migrating butterflies and birds.

The predictions in this post are based on information found on Monarch Watch part of the University of Kansas and Journey North a project of the Arboretum at the University of Wisconsin at Madison.
https://www.monarchwatch.org/
https://journeynorth.org/
Text and Photo: E. Sprouls
Photo description: Orange and black Monarch butterfly on bright yellow blooms of seaside goldenrod.

06/30/2011

The shop is looking GREAT! Chincoteague always has great yard sales July 4th weekend, and we will be out hunting for awesome new things!!!

03/26/2011

The shop will be closed today (3/26)...Heading to Rehoboth Beach to a big flea to find new STUFF!

03/19/2011

On Saturday, March 19th, The Velvet Oyster will be participating in the 2nd annual In Search of the Shamrock, sponsored by the Historic Main Street Merchants. So, stop in between 10 and 4, get your game card initialed and perhaps win one of the many great prizes offered by the merchants!

03/12/2011

The Velvet Oyster will be open today from around 10 (or so) until 3 this afternoon. Stop in! Great new things from my trip to PA last weekend!

03/04/2011

Even though I am in Pennsylvania, the shop will be open on Saturday from about 10 to 2.

02/26/2011

Very nice shop day...Had to laugh because I sat in the infamous blue velvet chair (will someone buy this, please; I will post a pic) and tried to read my book (still reading The Book Thief) and promptly curled up and fell asleep (because I woke up too early)...just one of those perks when you are self-employed...

02/25/2011

Heading to the auction in Parsonsburg, MD today (Allen & Marshall Auction House) to hopefully find some great new items for the shop...I'll fill you in tomorrow!

02/21/2011

Janet says...Lovely, restful day at the shop. Sat in a blue velvet chair from the 40s/50s and read my book...nice!

02/20/2011

(Janet says) Excellent day, very busy...didn't even have a chance to read my book (The Book Thief by Markus Zusak)!

02/18/2011

Great weather predicted for Chincoteague Island this weekend, so if you're in town shop local and participate in the Death By Chocolate event. Game cards are available in participating shops, from 11 to 6 -- great prizes, too!