The male of the Montrose Beach endangered piping plover couple, who has spent the last three weeks waiting for his true love to return, died yesterday:
“It is with great sadness that we confirm the passing of Monty, one of the Montrose Beach piping plovers,” said Irene Tostado, of the Chicago Park District.
Tamima Itani, of the Chicago Piping Plovers group, shared more details, saying Monty died Friday afternoon.
“He was observed gasping for air before dropping and passing away,” said Itani.
Great Lakes piping plovers numbered only 26 known individuals as recently as 1990, but conservation—like the protection given Monty and Rose since they arrived in Chicago three years ago—has brought the number up to about 140.
Sad news indeed.