The three new piping plover chicks born at Montrose Beach have been named in true Chicago fashion: Bean, El and Ferris.
Bean is named after the Cloud Gate sculpture, colloquially called “The Bean,” in Millennium Park.
Bean, who was previously called Green Star, hatched later than their siblings and has now grown into a more adventurous bird, according to a social media post from an account giving bird lovers updates on the plovers.
Hi! I'm Bean.
— Chicago Piping Plovers (@ChicagoPiping) July 13, 2025
The Bean, a beautiful sculpture by Anish Kapoor in Millenium Park, is beloved by locals and visitors alike. Its reflective surface captures and transforms the surrounding city skyline. 1/2 pic.twitter.com/2a3Nh1HD9B
Ferris, formerly known as Blue Star, is named because Chicago is home to the first Ferris Wheel, which was exhibited during the 1893 World’s Columbian Exposition. It’s also a nod to the Chicago-based cult classic film “Ferris Bueller’s Day Off,” the plover group announced.
The name is a good fit for the bird, who has begun to explore the beach far and wide, the group said.
Piping Plovers move pretty fast. If you don't stop and look around once in a while, you could miss them.
— Chicago Piping Plovers (@ChicagoPiping) July 13, 2025
Blue Star will now be known as Ferris. 1/4 pic.twitter.com/7fWNHruQAM
El is named after Chicago’s elevated train system. The same way the train connects Chicago, so do the plovers, the post says. As bird enthusiasts have traveled to Montrose Beach to see the plovers, many of them have relied on the El.
Hiya! I'm El.
— Chicago Piping Plovers (@ChicagoPiping) July 13, 2025
The El (for Elevated) is Chicago's transit system. Just like our Piping Plover family at Montrose, the El connects the city of Chicago, its surrounding suburbs, and the community it serves. 1/2 pic.twitter.com/GuPWfu7nSF
The birds, born June 20 to parents Imani and Searocket, were named in a contest run by the Chicago Bird Alliance.
Chicagoans submitted names that aimed to “reflect Chicago’s heritage, culture and diversity,” the alliance said when the contest was announced. A small group chosen by the Bird Alliance considered submissions and picked the names.
Those caring for the chicks are pleased with their good health , and they’re hoping they’ll stay healthy long enough to fly south for the winter.
“These three chicks, as far as we know, are in good health,” Chicago Piping Plovers volunteer coordinator Tamima Itani told the Sun-Times after they were born. “But anything can happen at any time while they are with us.”
In 1955, the plovers disappeared completely from the state after habitat deterioration, predators and nest disturbances threatened their livelihood, but Montrose Beach has become a haven for the endangered birds since 2019.
