Gabby, a 14-year-old bird, is crucial to survival of piping plovers in Michigan

(Detroit Free Press) At 14, Of,gb:X,Y — better known as Gabby — is the oldest living Great Lakes piping plover, an endangered, migratory bird that recently flew to the Sleeping Bear Dunes to reproduce. She is being tracked through an effort coordinated by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

Gabby's return to Michigan is "a huge relief," the Great Lakes Piping Plover Recovery team noted on social media.

As we approach Earth Day on Saturday, she shows us how such small, seemingly fragile creatures, can do remarkable things. Gabby goes between Michigan and Florida — sometimes in just a matter of days. She also reminds us just how vital it is to protect the planet.

The recovery group said more piping plovers will join her, an encouraging sign that the important bird species is gradually coming back from the brink of extinction. .............(more)

https://www.freep.com/story/news/local/michigan/2023/04/21/piping-plover-michigan-endangered-bird/70133610007/