Beyond Monty and Rose: Become A Birdwatcher For The Day On Saturday

If the story of piping plovers Monty and Rose has inspired you to take a closer look at local birds, a fun opportunity to do so is coming up on Saturday.

Bob Dolgan, the filmmaker behind the Monty and Rose documentary, tells us that Saturday, May 9th, is "Global Big Day," where birdwatchers in over 170 countries keep an eye out for migratory birds and report their findings.

According to "Nature Loves Chicago," you can do it from your backyard, your deck, or even the sidewalk in front of your home:

"In birding parlance, a 'Big Day' is when an individual or group devotes an entire day to finding and identifying as many birds as possible. Interest in birding has increased due to the stay-at-home orders in place across the country. Last year on May 4, Cook County birders submitted 683 checklists, finishing second nationally."

This year Cook County is aiming for that elusive first-place spot and would love your help!

For info on how to join in and be part of it, visit the Nature Loves Chicago website or eBird.

As for Monty and Rose, they are definitely back at Montrose Beach in 2020, and starting to display courting behavior:

• After winter apart, piping plovers Monty and Rose reunite at Montrose Beach (Chicago Tribune)
• They're Back! (Chicago Ornithological Society blog)
• Monty And Rose, Chicago’s Piping Plover Pair, Return To Montrose Beach For Second Year (Block Club Chicago)