Plover Chick Ferris Killed By Hawk

Ferris, a piping plover chick hatched at Montrose Beach, was killed by a red-tailed hawk on Saturday, as reported by the Chicago Piping Plovers group. This loss marks the first plover death in over a year, following a challenging previous summer when three chicks succumbed to illness. Ferris, along with siblings Bean and El, had been a source of joy for many Chicagoans who monitored their progress since hatching. The chicks were named after community suggestions, with Ferris reflecting both local history and popular culture. Bean and El were observed flying south over Lake Michigan on the same day Ferris was killed.

The Chicago Piping Plovers group continues to advocate for the restoration of the piping plover population, which is critical for biodiversity in the area. The preservation efforts at Montrose Beach have included extending protected nesting areas to support the plovers. Observers hope that increased awareness and conservation efforts will lead to more successful nesting seasons in the future.