It’s hard to believe it’s already week 10… It feels like yesterday we were putting up the psychological fencing before the pair had even established a nest, hoping we wouldn’t have to move the entire enclosure if they picked a different spot to lay their eggs. Now, Vie has begun her migration south, leaving G and their now-fledged chick to prepare for their own journeys before the wintering season.

B Along Shore. Photo by Morgan Ness

It was another great week at Whitefish Point, filled with more flying from Butters and lots of attentive parenting from G. On July 19, B reached 23 days old, which in the Piping Plover world means he’s officially a fledgling! This adds to the Great Lakes 2026 season count of 123 chicks fledged so far this season, with more fledglings to come. While B still has a little feather development ahead of him before making any long migratory flights, he’s grown tremendously since last week and is becoming more confident in the air each day. Watching him reach this milestone made me realize just how much he’s changed over the past few weeks.

B Foraging the Beach. Photo by Morgan Ness

One of the highlights for me this season has been watching B transform from a tiny chick to a young Piping Plover. The first week or so of his life was spent close to his parents, often tucked beneath their feathers or following close behind. Now, he’s noticeably more confident, even displaying territorial behavior toward juvenile Spotted Sandpipers that have been sharing the shoreline. It’s been a joy to watch this little one learn to forage, fly, bath, and even defend his territory. Despite all that newfound independence, though, he’s still not above pestering Dad for a little warmth beneath his feathers every now and then.

B Pestering Dad For Warmth. Photo by Morgan Ness

Watching B reach this milestone has been one of the most rewarding parts of my summer at Whitefish Point. As he continues to gain confidence and prepare for the journey ahead, I can’t help but feel proud of how far he’s come. Here’s to more flights, more milestones, and hopefully seeing both B and G begin their migration in the coming weeks.

-Morgan Ness, 2026 Piping Plover Monitor

Feature Photo: PIPL G Along the Shoreline by Morgan 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.