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Chicago Piping Plovers @chicagopiping.bsky.social · 21/09/2026

Thank You, Monitors! World Gratitude Day arrives every September 21 and serves as a reminder to pause and acknowledge the people in our lives. We are grateful to so many hands that contribute to this recovery effort and want to give a special shout out to Your Chicago Piping Plovers Monitors. 🧡

Montage of people in orange who monitor endangered shorebirds featured in the upper right picture

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Chicago Piping Plovers @chicagopiping.bsky.social · 21/09/2026

Talking about Plovers, Dogs, and Community! We had a terrific time joint tabling with the Lincoln Park Zoo Urban Wildlife Institute at year three of The Urban Birding Festival, which took place at the Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum this weekend. 1/2 Pictured: Liza Lehrer (LPZ), John McElhattan (CPP)

People talking around a table in an exhibit area

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Chicago Piping Plovers @chicagopiping.bsky.social · 16/09/2026

Reflections on Plover Appreciation Day When Rose and Monty chose Montrose Beach in 2019, it was the beginning of a seemingly improbable survival story... 1/7 📸: Tamima Itani (Monty and Rose and their 1st Montrose chick)

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Chicago Piping Plovers @chicagopiping.bsky.social · 15/09/2026

Over the Top and Over the Moon Our 2025 anonymous donor has done it again! This year offering an $11,000 matching grant, if you got us to $11K by Plover Appreciation Day (September 16). Guess what, you did!

Montage of pictures of piping plovers and people who care about them

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Chicago Piping Plovers @chicagopiping.bsky.social · 15/09/2026

Let's Talk About Wintering Ground Sightings! Alternatively, Where in the World are Your Chicago Piping Plovers?! First, here's where to report your sightings: plover@umn.edu. Photographs are ideal to submit. See pix for band combinations for the Montrose Beach 2026 crew. 1/2

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Chicago Piping Plovers @chicagopiping.bsky.social · 14/09/2026

As we tick down to Plover Appreciation Day this Wednesday, September 16, our fundraising meter is ticking up and we are, as always, grateful. We are so close to reaching 50% of our fundraising goal! 1/2

Two people standing on a pier looking through binoculars monitoring endangered piping plovers and a fundraising meter.

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Raed Mansour @raedmansour.com · 10/09/2026

Huge bird migration going on over Wisconsin & Midwest right now: 🐦‍⬛Wisconsin 93.1 million birds 🐦‍⬛Illinois 35.6 million birds 🐦‍⬛Minnesota 35.2 million birds 🐦‍⬛Michigan 30.8 million bird Turn #LightsOut to save migrating birds!

Live BirdCast bird migration map for the morning of September 10, 2026 estimation of over 526M birds migrating nationally, but concentrating mainly across Lake Michigan moving north to south.

BirdCast screenshot of live data feed over Wisconsin showing over 93M birds having crossed, with 98M having crossed at 11:40p last night.

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Chicago Piping Plovers @chicagopiping.bsky.social · 08/09/2026

This is incredible! Plover Appreciation Day (September 16) is a little over a week away and we are so close to reaching 50% of our fundraising goal! We are so grateful for and humbled by your support as we raise funds for the 2027 nesting season. 1/2

Fledgling piping plover on a beach along with a fundraising meter

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Chicago Piping Plovers @chicagopiping.bsky.social · 06/09/2026

Happy World Shorebirds Day! This global initiative is dedicated to shorebirds, migration, and the habitats these birds depend upon. It encourages a stronger connection between people and shorebirds - not only through conservation but observation. Source: www.worldshorebirdsday.org/world-shoreb...

worldshorebirdsday.org

World Shorebirds Day

World Shorebirds Day is a global initiative dedicated to shorebirds, migration, citizen science, and the protection of the habitats these birds depend upon across the planet.

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Chicago Piping Plovers @chicagopiping.bsky.social · 04/09/2026

Life is Better with Piping Plovers 🤍 Today is National Wildlife Day, designated to raise awareness about animal conservation and the plight of endangered species. 1/3 📸: Grace Palacio (Imani, Montrose, May 30, 2026)

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Chicago Piping Plovers @chicagopiping.bsky.social · 04/09/2026

We know there are so many incredible initiatives to support and are humbled by your charitable contributions to Chicago Piping Plovers. They allow for what is now generations of Great Lakes Piping Plovers to thrive in Chicago. 1/2

Picture of beach with sign on fence that reads, "Welcome Home Piping Plovers."

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Lake Michigan @lakemichigan13.bsky.social · 22/08/2026

Public lands and waters must be protected - they belong to you and all future generations 🌊🌊

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Chicago Piping Plovers @chicagopiping.bsky.social · 21/08/2026

The Monty & Rose Family Tree Our thanks to Plovermother Tamima Itani for producing and maintaining the family tree. 🤍

Family tree of Great Lakes Piping Plovers Monty & Rose

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Chicago Piping Plovers @chicagopiping.bsky.social · 14/08/2026

I am Sushi. I am glorious. I am also a Piping Plover Pal! We had such a terrific time tabling at Montrose today with Lincoln Park Zoo! Talking 'bout plovers, dogs, and creating a beach community where everyone feels welcome, safe, and connected.

A tabling exhibit at the beach about being wildlife-friendly

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Chicago Piping Plovers @chicagopiping.bsky.social · 14/08/2026

Thank you, always, for your support on the beach/pier at Montrose, online, and in your charitable giving. It allows for what is now generations of Great Lakes Piping Plovers to thrive in Chicago. 1/2 📸: John McElhattan (Buddy and Frankie, Montrose, July 2026)

Fundraising meter and a picture of two piping plover fledglings

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Chicago Piping Plovers @chicagopiping.bsky.social · 14/08/2026

Meet You At Montrose! 🤍🐶 This Friday from 9:30-noon reps from Lincoln Park Zoo and Your Monitoring Team 🧡 will be along the walkway by The Dock to discuss the Plover Pal campaign. You and your leashed pooch can take the pledge to be wildlife-friendly and get a fun giveaway!

Photo montage promoting dog owners being wildlife-friendly

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Chicago Piping Plovers @chicagopiping.bsky.social · 13/08/2026

Eyes Open! Bins Up! Cameras Ready! Our understanding of Great Lakes Piping Plovers is fueled when sightings of plovers with their unique leg bands are reported to plover@umn.edu. 1/3

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Chicago Piping Plovers @chicagopiping.bsky.social · 10/08/2026

Watch the interview by CBS Chicago of Chicago Piping Plover lead monitor John McElhattan during which he reflected on this summer's breeding season and discussed progress on recovery of the endangered population of Great Lakes Piping Plovers. www.youtube.com/watch?v=GjGR...

youtube.com

Piping plover monitors hope to expand habitat for endangered birds in Chicago

YouTube video by CBS Chicago

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Chicago Piping Plovers @chicagopiping.bsky.social · 09/08/2026

"We’d love to keep raising awareness across the Great Lakes. Chicago is such a fabulous place for it because we can capture the hearts and minds of so many people with the plovers.” ~ John McElhattan, Chicago Piping Plovers lead monitor Thank you, @cbschicago.bsky.social , for this great segment!

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Chicago Piping Plovers @chicagopiping.bsky.social · 08/08/2026

Tune into CBS Chicago Sunday morning! ☀️ Hear from Chicago Piping Plover lead monitor John McElhattan as he reflects on this summer's breeding season and discusses progress on recovery of the endangered population of Great Lakes Piping Plovers. Scheduled time is 7:45 am. 📸: Andy Shafer

Man standing on the beach looking into dune habitat

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Chicago Piping Plovers @chicagopiping.bsky.social · 06/08/2026

Chicago has proven that when we all rally together, we can protect our most vulnerable wildlife. Our dedication to protect our nesting Piping Plovers shows the world what compassionate urban conservation looks like. We’ve proven that protective spirit on the beach, and now let’s take it to the sky!

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Chicago Piping Plovers @chicagopiping.bsky.social · 03/08/2026

We 🤍 Your Questions! Keep them coming. Updates and answers to recent questions. 🤍 Frankie continues this morning at Montrose and Buddy was seen in Waukegan late yesterday. 1/3 📸: Chicago Piping Plovers (Frankie, Montrose Beach, August 2, 2026)

Piping plover fledgling standing on a beach

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Chicago Piping Plovers @chicagopiping.bsky.social · 03/08/2026

Just Like Mama and Papa! Hatch-year plovers may start migration by exploring local and regional beaches and that is exactly what Buddy and Frankie's parents did their hatch years!

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Chicago Piping Plovers @chicagopiping.bsky.social · 02/08/2026

Frankie is back at Montrose! Frankie was at Miller Beach in Gary, Indiana on Friday and is back at Montrose today (Sunday) with another hatch-year Great Lakes Piping Plover [O,V:X,V (Bdot)] that had been continuing at Miller Beach for a few days before Frankie's arrival.

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Chicago Piping Plovers @chicagopiping.bsky.social · 01/08/2026

2027 Breeding Season, Here We Come! Thank you, always, for your support on the beach/pier at Montrose, online, and in your charitable giving. It allows for what is now generations of Great Lakes Piping Plovers to thrive in Chicago. 1/2

Two ID cards for banded piping plovers and a fundraising meter

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Chicago Piping Plovers @chicagopiping.bsky.social · 31/07/2026

Frankie has kicked off their first migration,* and every wingbeat is a four-on-the-floor pulse, carrying them south toward warmer waters. Chicago gave the world house music through the pioneering DJ-producer Frankie Knuckles, and now it’s sending his namesake fledgling out into the world too. 1/2

A piping plover fledgling walking on the beach

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Chicago Piping Plovers @chicagopiping.bsky.social · 30/07/2026

Beautiful picture! Thank you for sharing! 🤍

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Chicago Piping Plovers @chicagopiping.bsky.social · 30/07/2026

Damn Right, I've Got the Peep-los Our best wishes to the one and only Buddy Guy as he celebrates his 90th birthday today! His namesake Chicago Piping Plover fledgling Buddy is also marking a special milestone, having started their first migration. 🎥: Tamima Itani (Imani and Buddy, Montrose, 7/2026)

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Chicago Piping Plovers @chicagopiping.bsky.social · 28/07/2026

Fair Winds and Safe Travels, Imani Our beloved Imani has begun his southward migration; a natural undertaking as old as his species. 1/4 📸: Denise Poloyac (Imani, 2026)

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Chicago Piping Plovers @chicagopiping.bsky.social · 26/07/2026

Over 25% of Goal! Thank you, always, for your support on the beach/pier at Montrose, online, and in your charitable giving. It allows for what is now generations of Great Lakes Piping Plovers to thrive in Chicago. 1/2 📸: Tamima Itani (Imani and Buddy, Montrose, July 25, 2026)

A picture of a piping plover adult and fledgling standing on the beach paired with a fundraising progress meter

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Chicago Piping Plovers @chicagopiping.bsky.social · 25/07/2026

Imani, Buddy, and Frankie continue to enjoy time on both the public and protected beaches at Montrose. Thank you for sharing the shore with your Chicago Piping Plovers! 🤍 📸: Chicago Piping Plovers (Frankie, Montrose Beach, July 19, 2026)

Piping plover fledgling walking on the beach

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Chicago Piping Plovers @chicagopiping.bsky.social · 23/07/2026

The Imani 5 Imani turned 5 this year! Your consideration of a $5 donation to the Chicago Piping Plover Fund in his honor is appreciated. Your charitable contribution supports the human and other resources needed for monitor management and education outreach. 📸: Denise Poloyac

Picture of a piping plover on the beach along with a picture of a fundraising meter

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Chicago Piping Plovers @chicagopiping.bsky.social · 23/07/2026

Hey, Buddy! Imani, Buddy, and Frankie continue to enjoy time on both the public and protected beaches at Montrose. Thank you for sharing the shore with your Chicago Piping Plovers! 🤍 📸: Chicago Piping Plovers (Buddy, Montrose Beach, July 19, 2026)

A piping plover fledgling standing on the beach

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Chicago Piping Plovers @chicagopiping.bsky.social · 22/07/2026

Between Public and Protected Chicago’s fledgling, Frankie, pauses right along the fence separating the public beach from the protected nesting sanctuary. A pause, a moment of contemplation. 📸: Chicago Piping Plovers (Frankie, Montrose Beach, July 19, 2026)

A piping plover fledgling at a fence line on a beach

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Chicago Piping Plovers @chicagopiping.bsky.social · 21/07/2026

From wobbly first flaps to confident flights, it’s a progression you helped make possible, Chicago. Buddy and Frankie are acing flight training! 📸: Chicago Piping Plovers (Buddy, Montrose Beach, July 19, 2026)

A piping plover fledgling standing on a beach with its wings up

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Chicago Piping Plovers @chicagopiping.bsky.social · 20/07/2026

Buddy having a snoozle under the watchful eye of best dad Imani. 📸: Chicago Piping Plovers (Buddy and Imani, Montrose Protected Beach, July 19, 2026)

Piping plover fledgling roosting in plants on the beach with an adult plover close by

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Chicago Piping Plovers @chicagopiping.bsky.social · 19/07/2026

Beachgoer Appreciation Post! 💛 As monitors, we witness so many beautiful sights - 1/3 📸: Chicago Piping Plovers (Frankie, Montrose Beach, July 19, 2026)

A piping plover chick walking on the beach with kayaks behind it

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Chicago Piping Plovers @chicagopiping.bsky.social · 18/07/2026

Flight Training continues! It is truly beautiful to watch Imani call his chicks to flight. Buddy and Frankie are following papa's lead. 📸: Chicago Piping Plovers

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Chicago Piping Plovers @chicagopiping.bsky.social · 15/07/2026

At 1-month-old your fledglings Buddy and Frankie (pictured) are doing well. With adventuresome spirits and guidance from papa Imani, flight training continues! Thank you, as always, for giving your Chicago Piping Plovers space to feed and thrive! 📸: Chicago Piping Plovers (Frankie, July 14, 2026)

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Chicago Piping Plovers @chicagopiping.bsky.social · 12/07/2026

Wishing Sea Rocket Clear Skies and Safe Travels Friday evening Sea Rocket was seen flying south over the pier at Montrose and has not been observed at Montrose since. Our little momma has begun her migration to her secret wintering grounds. Safe travels, Sea Rocket!

A piping plover wings extended upward on a beach

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Chicago Piping Plovers @chicagopiping.bsky.social · 11/07/2026

Meet Wilco! Odie! Lucy! Bromley! They are the newest Puppers for Plovers! 🤍🐦🐶 We're thrilled to connect with Montrose's amazing dog community and celebrate the special bond between pups, people, and nature.

A dog with golden fur and black ears and muzzle

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Chicago Piping Plovers @chicagopiping.bsky.social · 09/07/2026

This Friday from 9:30-11:30 am reps from Lincoln Park Zoo and Your Monitor Team 🧡 and Your PIPL & Shorebird Outreach Intern Lally 🩵 will be on the walkway between the dog beach and public beach to discuss the Plover Pal campaign. You and your leashed pup can take the pledge to be wildlife-friendly!

A montage of dogs and people by tables to promote taking a pledge to be wildlife-friendly

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Chicago Piping Plovers @chicagopiping.bsky.social · 08/07/2026

DJ Andy Chanley dedicated today's 93XRT Freeform at Four to the naming of the city's piping plover chicks! 93XRT Chicago Piping Plovers Playlist Worthy ~ Mavis Staples Rain Falls ~ Frankie Knuckles featuring Lisa Michaelis Enough ~ Jeff Tweedy Damn Right, I’ve Got the Blues ~ Buddy Guy

Modified image of the Chicago city flag with singing plovers in place of the stars

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Chicago Piping Plovers @chicagopiping.bsky.social · 07/07/2026

Celebrating Imani on His Hatch Day Today we celebrate Imani’s hatch day, a small bird with a giant place in Chicago’s heart. So presciently named (his name means faith or belief; sometimes translated as hope), he hatched at Montrose Beach in 2021. 1/2 📸: Chicago Piping Plovers

Imani, an adult male piping plover, with his chicks on the beach

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