Exciting Montrose Plover News!

And just like that, we have eggs at Montrose Beach. Monty and Rose are now incubating in a new and unexpected nest site. We received this eggcellent news from the watchful eyes of our partners at the Chicago Park District, Illinois Department of Natural Resources, and US Fish and Wildlife.

Per Louise Clemency of US Fish and Wildlife:

Today in the natural area at Montrose 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 tomorrow; 4 eggs is a usual clutch size for piping plovers.