(WBBM NEWSRADIO) -- A memorial is planned Wednesday at 6 p.m. at Montrose Beach, where the piping plovers, Rose and Monty, nested for three years, creating a community of fans and supporters.
Monty’s death last week was devastating to the Chicago birding community. A volunteer monitor, one of many, observed the bird gasping and then dying.
His mate, Rose, never showed up this spring. Tamima Itani, who oversaw the volunteers, said the birds really created a community.
"This is a great story and I personally have made so many friends thanks to Monty and Rose with all the volunteers and all the passionate fans," she said.
"It's been a really great story and it doesn't end here. We continue to love Piping Plovers and advocate for them.
Monty and Rose were the first piping plovers to nest in Chicago in seventy-one years, she said.
Tributes have been pouring in on the Chicago Piping Plovers' website.
“Feeling the deepest gratitude for Monty. Just an ounce or two large, Monty made such a huge impact in Chicago and across the world," wrote Tracy Nolan.
"He moved a city of people to consider their impact beyond themselves. He brought so much awe, joy, and wonder into the hearts of many."
Several volunteer monitors also shared their thoughts on Monty's passing including Raed Mansour.
“When anything is vulnerable, we all are. Protecting them protected so much more. It’s a lesson I hope we never forget that applies to nature, animals and each other," he wrote.
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