Imani, a 2021 offspring of Monty and Rose, returns to Montrose Beach Dunes

[Leslie Borns]

Dear Illinois Birders,

A Piping Plover spotted in the dunes this morning was positively identified as Imani, one of two surviving 2021 chicks of Monty and Rose.  The young plover was recently seen on a Lake Superior Beach 500 miles north of Chicago in Duluth, Michigan, which was quite a relief because he had not been observed over the Winter and his survival was uncertain.  

Imani, which means 'Faith' in the Swahili language, has now matured into a beautiful male plover, and it was a joy to see him flying and foraging in the site where he was born.  He was often chased by the nesting Killdeer, which wouldn't leave him alone because they are very aggressive towards other birds when their young are running around.  We kept moving to try to locate Imani. 

Eventually ~2 p.m. Imani ended up in the habitat addition and foraged peacefully all by himself for almost an hour, favoring the former "volleyball fluddle" which was damp and full of insects.  As we stood outside the habitat addition fence viewing him increasingly close range, I was overcome by the realization that Imani was just a few feet away from where his father, Monty, had died.  That is an image I will never forget and a powerful message:  "Life Goes On" and "The circle of Life and Nature is never ending."

It will be fascinating to see whether Imani stays around or whether Montrose is just a stop in his journey to find a mate and establish a territory. Joe Ward of Block Club Chicago newspaper has already published an article about Imani's return in their afternoon edition:

https://blockclubchicago.org/2022/05/23/piping-plover-chick-imani-born-to-monty-and-rose-returns-to-his-birthplace-at-montrose-beach/

May the wonder and mystery of Piping Plovers and Montrose Beach Dunes continue!

Leslie Borns

Chicago/Cook

[Janet Haugen]

Imani's return, even if temporary, is wonderful news!  Thanks for keeping us informed, Leslie.

Janet Haugen

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