Over the last few weeks, the Piping Plovers have officially returned to Whitefish Point! We are excited to welcome back two familiar birds who have officially paired up for the season. We have X,V:Of,YY (“V” or “Violet”), who has previously nested at the Point, and her partner X,-:O[Y]Gdot (“G”), who has been returning here since 2022 but has never successfully found a mate – until now!

PIPL “V”. Photo by Morgan Ness

G and V have been inseparable since they were seen together on May 11. The two are an absolutely adorable, dorky pair, and I am thrilled to spend the summer with them. They seem to be bonding well, with one always just a few feet from the other.

PIPL Pair. Photo by Morgan Ness

Together, they forage the shoreline, scrape small depressions in the sand (a prelude to nesting), and blend in perfectly with the rocks and pale sand. Their movements are often synchronized: when one rises to probe for food, the other is close behind. Watching them interact has already been a highlight of the season.

On May 14th, we installed protective fencing around the area where we believe they will nest this summer. While the fencing cannot keep out every predator, it provides an added layer of protection and helps give the plovers a safer place to raise their chicks. Because Piping Plovers nest directly on open beaches, their eggs and chicks are especially vulnerable to predators and human disturbance.

PIPL “G”. Photo by Morgan Ness

Two days later, G and V were enjoying their new enclosure when they were suddenly were joined by a third Piping Plover. Drama quickly ensued. G was clearly not keen on sharing either his mate or his newly claimed territory. He lay his chest low to the ground and sprinted towards the intruder on his tiny legs. The third plover left almost as quickly as it had arrived, and G seemed very pleased with himself afterward, proudly defending both his girl and his fencing.

We are hopeful that G and V will have a successful nesting season, and we look forward to sharing more updates as summer continues.

– Morgan Ness, 2026 Piping Plover Monitor

Featured Photo: PIPL by M. Ness

Piping Plover monitoring is a collaborative effort between Michigan Audubon and Seney National Wildlife Refuge (USFWS).

You can keep up with the 2026 Piping Plover action at WPBO by reading Morgan’s blog posts and following WPBO’s social media (Facebook, Instagram, and X).

Morgan Ness: 2026 Piping Plover Monitor

Having studied Environmental Science, Policy, and Management at the University of Minnesota Twin Cities, Morgan developed a passion for protecting migratory birds and forest ecology. After spending time in Montana conducting avian monitoring, Morgan is excited to experience Michigan’s species during migration season and to take in the change in scenery. Whether she’s identifying leg bands or chatting with beachgoers about the importance of plover conservation, Morgan’s enthusiasm for the outdoors is contagious. She is thrilled to call the Michigan shoreline her office this summer and contribute to the recovery of such an iconic species. When she isn’t bird-watching, Morgan is often crocheting, hiking, or watching Bravo.