Monty Has Returned!

Some of you may remember from last year at this time, a pair of nesting piping plovers inhabits a protected dunes area at Montrose Beach in Chicago, along the shores of Lake Michigan. He winters in Florida, while his partner, Rose, winters in Texas. Rose has not yet been spotted, so Monty -- along with the humans of Chicago -- are anxiously awaiting her return! (Their names, Monty and Rose, reflect Montrose Harbor, where they spend their summers. One year, a music festival was cancelled to avoid disrupting them -- they are endangered, down to just a few hundred pairs. If you look closely at Monty's legs, you'll see his tracking tags).
It's so much fun finally have some new photos to post!

Related articles for the curious: https://blockclubchicago.org/2022/04/21/montys-back-montrose-beachs-beloved-piping-plover-patriarch-has-been-spotted-in-chicago/
https://www.chicagotribune.com/news/environment/ct-piping-plovers-monty-rose-montrose-beach-20220421-3obqo556tbe2xfxkwsj4vrn3zq-story.html
https://chicago.suntimes.com/2022/4/21/23036471/monty-piping-plover-back-montrose-beach-rose

Update 5/13/22, sadly... https://365project.org/taffy/365/2022-05-13

[Peter Dulis]

Nice

[Allison Maltese]

So glad he is back. Lovely photo of him settling in.

[Beryl Lloyd]

Sweet little bird - pleased he is back !

[carol white]

A lovely capture of this little bird.Fav😊

[Pam Knowler]

I hope Rose finds her way back to Chicago!

[Lou Ann]

Wonderful that he has showed up. I hope Rose will be there soon.

[Joanne Diochon]

Fingers crossed that rose will return safely soon.

[Renee Salamon]

Monty is lovely, look forward to meeting Rose

[Elisabeth Sæter]

Sweet shot

[Marloes]

Wonderful comp with his little ring and wings out.

[Kathy A]

Lovely photo of him, great to see him back

[Joan Robillard]

Great close up

[Yao RL]

The little bird has a huge wings.

[Danette Thompson]

Terrific image

[LManning (Laura)]

Brilliant capture. So glad he is back!

[Kathy]

You will have to let us know when Rose returns. We will all be waiting to hear. Lovely capture of his fluffy body and flapping wings.

[Jane Pittenger]

Beautiful wing spread. HopeRose shows up soon. What an amazing tale

[Milanie]

Wonderful focus - great dof to show Monty off. Come on now, Rose!

[eDorre]

Great Monty portrait

[Rick]

Great capture. Very interesting about the pair. Hope they can get back together.

[Issi Bannerman]

What a delightful image of Monty!

[Diana]

Fabulous shot and wonderful narrative, keeping fingers crossed.

[4rky]

What an amazing journey they both make. Hope Rose turns up at the weekend as expected. Thanks for the links.

[Pam]

Wonderful shot!

[Walks @ 7]

Welcome back Monty. Keeping my fingers crossed for Rose. It is such a nice attitude that is shown for these beauties.

[haskar]

These spring returns give so much hope. Great shot and details.

[Mark Prince]

Amazing how these birds manage these long flights and get back to the same place time after time.
I wondered if you saw my recent post on a related subject ?
I have posted a link below.

https://365project.org/markp/365/27-03-2022

[Junko Y]

I've never seen such an active pose of Monty! Nice!!