3 Piping Plover Chicks Hatch At Montrose Beach

Three piping plover chicks hatched at Montrose Beach, continuing a successful nesting trend for parents Imani and Sea Rocket. The volunteer group Chicago Piping Plovers announced the hatch on June 22, 2025, after confirming the fourth egg was non-viable. The chicks are thriving despite a recent heatwave, underscoring their resilience. This marks the second consecutive summer that Imani and Sea Rocket have successfully hatched chicks, following last year's lone survivor named Nagamo. Imani, who was born at Montrose Beach in 2021, returned to nest after his first successful attempt last summer.

The conservation efforts at Montrose Beach have garnered increased support since 2019, when piping plovers last nested in the city after a 70-year absence. Park District officials have extended the natural area at Montrose Beach and are actively monitoring the nesting site to deter predators. Volunteers encourage the public to respect boundaries to protect the plover family and their habitat.