What can we learn from long-term studies of a single-species of bird? Often what drives the earlier questions will not drive the later ones and often, unexpected problems will direct the questions that are posed. Short-term studies of Semipalmated Plovers (Charadrius semipalmatus) within the context of a longer-term research program provide detailed information about the biology and conservation of this widely distributed North American plover. I will present some of the findings from the work conducted by myself and my graduate students, from the last 25+ years of study. The work encompasses studies conducted both on the breeding grounds in northern Canada and at several wintering sites.