A familiar friend returned Monday to the shores of Montrose Beach, according to the Chicago Park District and a group of birdwatchers.
Pippin, a Great Lakes Piping plover, has returned to the Chicago lakefront for his third year after hatching in 2023. The Chicago Piping Plovers also reported Monday that another plover, Imani, had returned to the lakefront, as well. He hatched there in 2021.
Last summer, Pippin left the lakefront with an injury to his foot. The Chicago Piping Plovers, a group of birdwatchers which began when the birds were first spotted, said many feared the worst after his injury last year.
Pippin returned this week with a missing foot and subtle limp. Otherwise, the Chicago Park District said he is in good health.
“Pippin is a trouper,” said Irene Tostado, a spokesperson for the Chicago Park District, in a statement.
Welcome home, Pippin! 🤍🟢 Our beloved Pippin has returned. Many will remember he departed last summer with something tangled around his foot. We feared the worst. Pippin has returned to us with his right foot missing and a limp but otherwise appears well. 📸:Liam Francis Shanley
— Chicago Piping Plovers (@chicagopiping.bsky.social) 2026-04-13T21:40:11.030Z
Pippin joins other piping plovers — an endangered species — at Montrose Beach. The 2,000 acres of nature are managed by the park system for their biodiversity and wildlife habitat.
“The presence of this endangered species is a testament to the importance of protecting our environment and wildlife through continuous conservation and sustainability efforts,” Tostado said in the statement.
