![](https://wpbo.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/image3-300x225.jpeg)
Piping Plover with spread wings. Photo by Alec Olivier
It’s hard to believe, but we’re almost halfway through the 2022 Piping Plover season. There isn’t much new to report since my last blog, which opposed to migration counting is a good thing. All four active nests are being incubated by their parents consistently, and we’re coming up on the first two nests hatching here in the next 10–14 days.
Regarding other bird action, there have been some cool sightings recently. Decent numbers of Semipalmated Sandpipers, Sanderlings, and White-rumped Sandpipers are being seen almost daily. Other notable shorebird sightings include Ruddy Turnstones observed on several days, a Whimbrel seen on 6/18-6/19, a Semipalmated Plover on 6/21, and a Willet on 6/23. There are still small numbers of migrant Blue Jays and Black-capped Chickadees around. There have also been multiple flocks of both Red and White-winged Crossbills flying over the Point in the last week. There seems to be some type of crossbill movement that occurs during the summer, which is pretty cool for a species mostly thought of as being seen in the middle of winter in Michigan.
![](https://wpbo.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/image0-300x225.jpeg)
Willet. Photo by Alec Olivier
![](https://wpbo.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/image2-300x225.jpeg)
Whimbrel. Photo by Alec Olivier
![](https://wpbo.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/image0-1-300x225.jpeg)
White-rumped Sandpiper. Photo by Alec Olivier
![](https://wpbo.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/image1-300x225.jpeg)
O,Y;X,Y/O showing her broken neck collar. Photo by Alec Olivier
There has been an uptick in the number of butterflies observed on the beach in the last few days. Monarchs and Canadian tiger swallowtails are the main species being seen. Moth numbers are also increasing around the Point, with various species being observed.
~ Alec Olivier
2022 Piping Plover Monitor
You can keep up with the Piping Plovers at the Point by reading Alec’s blogs or following WPBO on social media (Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter).
You can also check out the video from 2021 featuring the Piping Plovers at the Point.