Monty and Rose Lay Eggs

Yesterday, May 22, we found Monty and Rose sitting on three eggs in a nest scrape in the sand. The CPD, IDNR, and USDA joined USFWS on the scene right way to install protective measures. The Illinois Department of Natural Resources set a wire "exclosure" over the eggs to protect the nest from predators, such as raccoons or skunks. Monty and Rose will be able to move freely in and out of the cage as they take turns incubating the eggs and feeding away from the nest. USDA Wildlife Services biologists installed cameras that take periodic photos to help monitor conditions at the nest. The Chicago Park District Natural Areas Manager is developing plans to use paths and fencing to protect the new nest site, which is in a different part of the natural area from last year. Rose will likely lay a fourth egg today (May 23); 4 eggs is a usual clutch size for piping plovers.

The Great Lakes Piping Plover population, once down to less than twenty pairs, has rebounded thanks to recovery efforts to around 70 breeding pairs.  More information about the Great Lakes Piping Plover recovery effort can be found here: https://www.greatlakespipingplover.org

Photos by Jason Steger of the Chicago Park District include the eggs, a broken wing display and Brad Semel of the IDNR installing the exclosure