One Piping Plover's Incredible Journey

On August 31, 2014 I photographed a banded Piping Plover at Bolivar Flat Shorebird Sanctuary in Bolivar, Texas. I submitted the band information and recently received word that this particular bird was banded on June 19, 2013 as a one day old chick on the East Side of Lake Sakakawea, North Dakota. Then seen in Florida in the winter of 2013-2014. That's a minimum 2,100 mile one way trip!  This 2 oz. bird that's the size of a tennis ball traveled roughly the distance from Boston to Salt Lake City in twelve months. It is a perfect example of why we should all have the utmost respect for nature.


My photo is on its way. This one is courtesy of Jennifer Wilson.