Raised to Be Wild

Along the shores of the Great Lakes, hidden in the pebble-covered sand, a tiny, big-eyed bird makes its nest on the beach. Meet the piping plover, a robin-sized shorebird named for its sweet, musical call.

The Great Lakes piping plover population is endangered. In the 1980s, the population had dwindled to just 12 pairs. But the population has grown thanks to the hard work of researchers and biologists on the Great Lakes Piping Plover Conservation Team. One key strategy to helping the population recover has been raising chicks in captivity and releasing them near wild plovers before their first migration south for the winter.

This story is inspired by "Little Cooper," a captive-reared piping plover who lived for eight years, migrating from Michigan to Florida and back, fathering many chicks. The book takes you on a journey with another plover, "BroBob," from his egg rescue to his adventures as a parent. The unique contributions of several Conservation Team members are also highlighted, showing how their actions make a difference in BroBob's life.

Today, because of the efforts of the Great Lakes Piping Plover Conservation Team, the population has increased to over 81 pairs, which breed along all five Great Lakes. This amazing comeback story shows that with dedication, we can save endangered birds and continue sharing our shores with them.