Strathmere Plover Project

05/27/2026

Practical advice on how to successfully share the shore with shorebirds and other beach nesters from the people in Chicago who monitor the nesting birds on these busy beaches. Reading stress in the birds is important and not difficult to do. We can learn a lot from these birds by watching behavior and responding accordingly.

The Safe Distance to Observe Shorebirds
We are so fortunate to have a protected beach for shorebirds at Montrose where, when that protection is respected, your Piping Plovers and other shorebirds can feed and rest and we can observe them from the public spaces.

Of course, birds fly and can fly to the public areas; so, how do we give them the appropriate amount of space? Stating distances isn't always helpful (2 bus lengths, if it is) so let's talk about reading stress in bird behaviors as indicators to back up.

❎ If your actions cause a bird to fly or run away or otherwise change its behavior, you are too close.
❎ If your actions cause a bird to hunch into a protective or aggressive stance, you are too close.
❎ If you are between a bird and the shoreline, you are between the bird and feeding.

Watch for changes in posture and direction indicating that a bird is stressed. Stress causes birds to inadequately feed and compromises their ability to monitor for predators.

Thanks for sharing the shore with your Piping Plovers and other shorebirds!

📸: Matthew Dolkart (fledgling Sea Rocket, Montrose Beach, July 2023)

05/26/2026

This is an amazing project documenting the fragile and spectacular breeding grounds for so much wildlife (including shorebirds that stopover on our beaches during migration). Once protected, these breeding grounds are now part of the land sold for oil production. This habitat contains some of the immeasurable beauty and irreplaceable treasures of the natural world in the US. Thank you for this project. Hope it inspires us all to take action to keep this precious area pristine and safe for wildlife.

05/18/2026

Got $10? Get these fab Strathmere sunglasses and turn heads at the beach while supporting the Strathmere Plover Project!

How cool are you? Be the first on your block to sport these new Strathmere sunglasses. UV 400, perfect for the beach or bay.
Thanks for your support.

05/17/2026

Piping plovers Imani and Sea Rocket in Chicago are entering the most fragile stage of their breeding season. The monitors have some practical requests and comments for those wanting to see the birds so they can remain safe.

We just need a little space right now…

As Imani and Sea Rocket are getting reacquainted with parenthood, Chicago Piping Plovers will be adjusting our reporting via social media channels.

The incubation period and then rearing of the chicks are quite demanding on the parent Plovers. As an organization committed to aiding in the recovery of an endangered species, the safety and success of the nest and Plovers are our top priority. Your ongoing patience and understanding are appreciated.

Chicago Piping Plovers will be sunsetting the Daily Imani for the season and are eternally grateful to community members for their engagement and photo/video contributions. We remain committed to reporting out to you on our beloved Piping Plovers and sharing photos and videos, as we are able.

With fortune and care, we will again experience the bliss and magic of Piping Plover chicks at Montrose Beach. 🤍

Here is what you can expect from us and what we ask of Montrose visitors:

🤍 Chicago Piping Plovers will not post or share unsolicited photos or videos of the nest location, nest, nesting parent plovers, or eggs during the nesting period.

🤍 We recognize we can only ask, but ask we will - should you visit Montrose and the Plovers during nesting, please refrain from sharing on social media any photos or videos of the nest location or parent plovers on the nest during nesting.

🤍 We will provide guidance on how to visit with and photograph the plover family to avoid interrupting each parent plover's ability to feed, scan the environment, respond to threats (such as birds of prey), care for their nest, and ultimately care for their chicks. Even off the nest, the adult Plovers need space as they are feeding and monitoring their territory. Sea Rocket especially needs uninterrupted feeding time, as she builds back reserves and energy lost from producing and laying the eggs.

📸: Matthew Dolkart (Imani 2026)

05/17/2026

Out on your boat in the marshes? Conserve Wildlife Foundation of NJ can use your help reporting American Oystercatchers you see. It’s easy to do and can be a big help!

🚨Sightings Needed!!🚨

American Oystercatchers are typically associated with Jersey Shore beaches, but did you know a large portion of New Jersey’s population actually nests deep within marshes and back bays? These habitats can be difficult for biologists to monitor...which is where you can help!

As summer activity ramps up across the state, we’re asking beachgoers, boaters, anglers, kayakers, birders, and outdoor enthusiasts to keep an eye out for American Oystercatchers in these less-monitored areas. Your quick sighting can make a BIG impact for conservation!

The NJ Oystercatcher Tracker makes it easy to report where you see oystercatchers feeding, nesting, resting, or gathering. Just scan the QR code or click the link below to access the survey. Every observation helps biologists better understand how these iconic shorebirds use New Jersey’s coastal habitats in order to guide future conservation efforts.

So grab your binoculars, keep your eyes peeled, and spread the word!

05/13/2026

It’s baby bird season! But that means you may find one that needs help. Here’s what to do.

Oh no! You’ve found a baby bird on the ground, apparently alone and in distress. 🐥 Its tiny chirps may pull at your heartstrings, and it can be tempting to spring into action—but, not all baby birds need rescuing. That's why it's so important to stop and assess the situation.

If they do need your help, how to help them depends on a few factors: does this bird need immediate medical attention? And is it a nestling or a fledgling? Take a look at this graphic to determine how and when to assist baby birds—then click the link in our comments to learn more!

🖌️: Julie Rossman/Audubon

05/13/2026

Clear glass railings can be a death trap for birds. If you have clear glass railings, make them bird safe. It’s easy to do and shows birds there’s something solid they can’t fly through in a way they understand.

12/27/2025

Spotted a seal on the beach? A reminder from the seal rescue experts on what to do—and what not to do.

We've helped many of Santa's seal "helpers" from the North Pole over the past 47 years, including 556 Harp seals, 67 Hooded seals and 2 Ringed seals. Learn about these really "cool" species and more during our North Pole Patient Countdown! This adorable graphic is shared from our friends at Peppermint Narwhal Creative! 🦭