The Waukegan shoreline became more vibrant this week with the release of three piping plover chicks. These additions complement the three resident plovers, now named for identification, according to the Lake County Audubon Society.
Carolyn Lueck, president of the Lake County Audubon Society, expressed excitement over the news. “It was very exciting to get the news that they were going to bring us three siblings: two females and a male,” she stated. The release coincided with the banding of the wild-fledged birds already residing in Waukegan.
The local plovers have been named Dune, Pebbles, and Drifter, reflecting their Great Lakes origins. “Drifter” evolved from “driftwood” due to the bird’s independent nature. “Since he first was hatched and then an hour later started exploring, he’s just kind of been the adventurer,” Lueck noted.
The newly released chicks were nurtured by Pepper and Blaze, plover regulars at the Lake County beach. Raised in captivity at the University of Michigan Biological Station, the two new females are called Amaura and Anorith, and the male is named Archen. These names nod to creatures from the Pokémon universe. Lueck mentioned, “Let’s just say there might be some piping plover trading cards in our future,” hinting at a creative engagement strategy.
A currently unidentifiable chick, hatched in July 2026 under Pepper’s care, joins the group. The sex of the chicks born in Waukegan remains unknown until their return next year with distinct features.
Waukegan also hosts visitors Frankie and Buddy, siblings from Montrose Beach. They are the grandchildren of Monty and Rose, famous for revitalizing piping plover conservation in Chicago after more than 70 years.
Lueck emphasized the importance of awareness, saying that protecting plovers also benefits other plants and animals. “The more we can get the word out about these precious little birds, the better it is for a lot of different things,” she remarked.
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