What is this story about?

This story is about both birds and people. In May, 2021, a pair of tiny shorebirds  called Piping Plovers nested in Ohio for the first time in over 80 years. The Great Lakes population of Piping Plovers are critically endangered, so a group of over 100 volunteers banded together to protect them on the busy public beach they called home. The journey changed the lives of everyone involved, and the species made history with newly gathered information.
What does the future hold for this endangered feathered family?
What can we do to help? How have the people helping been impacted?

The People

The Birds

The story was filmed and directed by Christy Frank, and edited by Grace Eggleston. Black Swamp Bird Observatory, a local Ohio nonprofit, managed the volunteer program, and over 100 people worked thousands of hours to protect the birds, collect data, and educate the public. 

To see more of Christy's work:
www.christyfrankphotography.com
Instagram: www.instagram.com/christylfrank

Less than 200 pairs of Piping Plovers are left in the Great Lakes population. Nish and Nellie, the male and female birds featured in the film, made history when they nested in Ohio for the first time in over 80 years. There is more we can do to help save these inspiring birds, and we hope their story serves as a catalyst to protect the whole population.