The Piping Plovers have started to return to Whitefish Point – and we’re seeing some familiar faces! Four males from last year are back at the Point and have begun to stake out their territory. One male, known last year as “Really Tricky” (X,R:Of,LY), has been spotted scraping and mating with a returning female, X,V:Of,YY. Both plovers had successful nests with different mates last year.
Three returning males, XB:Of,OG, Of,YB:XY/O, and “Little bill Bob” (Of,bL:XB/O/B) can often be seen “parallel walking” with each other to establish territory. None of these bachelors have been seen with a mate yet, but we’re hoping to see more females arrive at the Point this week.
~ Joselyn Ralph
2023 Piping Plover Monitor
Piping Plover monitoring is a collaborative effort between Michigan Audubon and Seney National Wildlife Refuge (USFWS).
Featured photo: Piping Plovers “Really Tricky” and X,V:Of,YY have been spotted scraping and mating. Photo by Joselyn Ralph
Male Piping Plover (XB:Of,OG) at the Point. Photo by Joselyn Ralph
The pair next to their scrape. Photo by Joselyn Ralph
