From Jodi Sylvester
I have always wanted to observe and photograph newly hatched piping plover chicks and today that finally happened! Less than 24 hrs old and the size of a cotton ball with legs. Absolutely precious and so fast zipping around the beach. They hide under mom for protection
Look how tiny next to the small rocks for comparison…
I got the opportunity to rescue some baby plovers years ago when I was at work. They’d fallen down a storm water drain and just needed someone to lift the very heavy grate and scoop them out (and cover the drain a little to prevent it happening again later).
They looked like cotton balls, were not much larger than a couple of them, and they didn’t weigh much more than that either. I knew birds were light but it gave me even more of an appreciation for just how light they are.
I’m pleased to say that brood made it to adulthood. Thanks for reminding me of that experience!
That is so wonderful you were able to save them!
I’ve had to pull grates to get some frogs out from the storm drains. I remember one was so sunburned! Poor thing. I got him back to the pond and it swam away. It must have been so glad to be back in the water. Got a few robins out of downspouts as well. Never hurts to check spots after a storm!
I’m glad you have such a wonderful memory. 😊
