Both of these birds are new to me and I am happy to be able to share them here.
American avocet
American Avocets are migratory shorebirds that can be found in the Midwest during their spring and fall migrations. They are common in the western portion of the US. These were seen during their spring travels in Chicago along the shores of Lake Michigan.
They are known for their distinctive long, upturned bills and black-and-white wings.
American Avocet pairs remain together for one breeding season. They eat aquatic invertebrates in shallow water and also consume small fish and seeds.
Piping Plover
The piping plover is globally threatened and endangered; mainly due to loss of habitat, and has been listed by the United States as "endangered" in the Great Lakes region. I feel extremely lucky to have these two photos
The piping plover gets its name from its bell-like whistled peeps.