The piping plover pair who have been hatching babies in Chicago for the last few years are dearly beloved: Rose and Monty. Although Monty winters in Texas and Rose in Florida, they used to arrive back on the same day or a day apart until this year. Monty returned April 21, and has been (anthropomorphized by all of us) "pining" for Rose who had not returned. Here, I photographed him on the last morning as he ran around on the beach in the morning sun, seeming to call out for her. He died unexpectedly that afternoon. He and Rose were great ambassadors for the plight of endangered birds as even a summer music festival was shut down the first year they were in Chicago in order to give them space for breeding. R.I.P. Monty -- and love to Rose, where she may be. (She was last seen during the past winter in Florida.)
Fascinating! I learned this a few month ago, that some partners go each way but come back at the same place to be together again. Sweet capture of Monty's, I hope he did not pass with a broken heart. Hopefully you will find Rose soon.
A lovely story, I’m sure through the years he and Rosie had quite a few babies to carry on their bloodline. Maybe they will make Chicago their summer home in the future.
@dutchothotmailcom@jgpittenger@rickster549@koalagardens -- while we are very sad about Monty and Rose, we are hopeful that Imani (their chick from last year) will stay. Another piping plover stopped by from across Lake Michigan also. We are hopeful that a new pair will begin breeding here in Chicago.
I heard from someone who had watched Monty dying, and said how sad it was to see him wobble around, fall over, get up, and repeat until he didn't get up any longer. The city has had a large area protected to give the plovers space these last few years so we have been observing them at a distance most of the time. Sometimes, they come out of that area and run around the beach and come closer to us! Like in this one when @Taffy was sitting in the sand and Monty was only a foot away! https://365project.org/taffy/365/2022-04-23
https://blockclubchicago.org/2022/05/23/piping-plover-chick-imani-born-to-monty-and-rose-returns-to-his-birthplace-at-montrose-beach/
@dutchothotmailcom @jgpittenger @rickster549 @koalagardens -- while we are very sad about Monty and Rose, we are hopeful that Imani (their chick from last year) will stay. Another piping plover stopped by from across Lake Michigan also. We are hopeful that a new pair will begin breeding here in Chicago.
I heard from someone who had watched Monty dying, and said how sad it was to see him wobble around, fall over, get up, and repeat until he didn't get up any longer. The city has had a large area protected to give the plovers space these last few years so we have been observing them at a distance most of the time. Sometimes, they come out of that area and run around the beach and come closer to us! Like in this one when @Taffy was sitting in the sand and Monty was only a foot away! https://365project.org/taffy/365/2022-04-23