CT DEEP reminds the public to watch for bird nesting areas at beaches

The Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection is reminding the public to think about their feathered friends this beach season and stay away from places where large groups of birds gather, as well as roped off or marked areas designating nesting locations, according to the agency.As DEEP notes: “State law prohibits entering state-designated seabird and shorebird protection areas and requires pets, cyclists, and vehicles to remain at least 25 feet away.”Be on the lookout for shorebirds, which nest in shallow depressions in the sands where they swim, fish and recreate, according to the agency. Be aware of small, camouflaged eggs and fledglings as well, which can look like cotton fluff that blend into their surroundings.“Shorebirds such as the federally threatened piping plover and state-threatened least tern need special protection throughout their nesting season from April to September,” said DEEP Commissioner Katie Dykes. “We are pleased that the legislature enacted a Seabird and Shorebird Protection Program last year to help protect critical nesting areas on public lands, and we ask visitors to coastal areas to be mindful of the delicate birdlife in the areas near where they may be recreating.”CT State Police honor beloved K-9 who died due to medical complicationsDEEP has temporarily closed the Dr. William A. Niering Preserve within Harkness Memorial State park in Waterford, per a release. They have also closed Charles Island in Milford and Duck Island in Westbrook. This is to prevent disturbances to several nesting birds.The closures mean there is no public access nor walking on the water’s edge, docking of boats and kayaks, or walking on the islands of preserve, according to DEEP.Looking for ways to help keep the threatened species safe and do your part? Here is a full breakdown of recommendations, according to DEEP:
Respect cordoned off areas – they are sensitive areas important to the birds. State law prohibits entering state-designated seabird and shorebird protection areas and requires cyclists and vehicles to remain at least 25 feet away. DEEP has erected fencing and yellow warning signs along beaches where these birds build shallow nests in the sand and has cordoned off offshore islands where herons and egrets congregate in nesting areas.
State law also requires pets to remain at least 25 feet away from state-designated seabird and shorebird protection areas and islands. Refrain from allowing dogs or cats to roam freely in areas where shorebirds congregate during the nesting season from April through September. Dogs are prohibited on State Park beaches and many municipal beaches during this time.
Be aware that while cordoned off areas delineate critical nesting sites, plover and tern chicks are mobile and can be anywhere on the beach. These tiny chicks are no bigger than a cotton ball and are camouflaged to match beach sand. It is extremely important to be aware of your surroundings when visiting beaches and islands.
Do not build campfires or bonfires, light off fireworks, or fly kites on beaches where plovers and terns nest. The noises may prompt adults to abandon nests and chicks.
Do not bury or leave trash, picnic leftovers, and fish scraps on a beach. They attract predators of chicks and eggs, such as skunks, raccoons, foxes, and black-backed gulls.
Do not attempt to “rescue” young birds that appear lost or too young to fly by bringing them home. It is illegal to hold wildlife for rehabilitation without state or federal permits. In most cases when immature birds are found alone, the adults who were frightened away are nearby and will return once the intruder leaves.
Please report any violations affecting wildlife to DEEP’s 24-hour, toll-free hot line: 1-800-842-HELP or 860-424-3333.

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