The Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) reminds anglers, boaters, beachgoers and others recreating on the shoreline to share the shore with nesting birds.
With ever-increasing public use of our beaches, there are fewer places for shorebirds like piping plovers and least terns, both endangered, to feed, rest, and raise their young. More intense coastal storms and tidal flooding caused by climate change have added to the challenges faced by these bird species. DEEP takes measures to protect nesting shorebirds and water birds, and you can help by exercising caution and abiding by posted rules when visiting the shoreline.
“Protecting wildlife and their habitat is one of DEEP’s most important responsibilities,” said DEEP Commissioner Katie Dykes. “We coordinate closely with conservation organizations and work to educate the public about the importance of preserving these bird populations in Connecticut. It’s important to remember that when we visit the shoreline, we’re also visiting a crucial habitat for shorebirds.”
The Dr. William A. Niering Preserve embedded within Harkness Memorial State Park in Waterford, Charles Island in Milford, and Duck Island in Westbrook, are currently closed to the public to prevent disturbances to nesting birds. DEEP has designated all three sites as Natural Area Preserves, primarily due to their importance as nesting habitats for several state-listed birds. Charles and Duck Islands have also been designated as Important Bird Areas by Audubon Connecticut.
DEEP also asks anglers and boaters along the Connecticut shoreline to respect the fencing and yellow signs warning of piping plover and least tern nesting sites. The piping plover, a small, sandy-colored shorebird about the size of a robin, is a threatened species under the federal Endangered Species Act. The small, gull-like least tern, which nests in colonies in the same beach habitat as the piping plover, is a state threatened species. Both of these shorebirds reliably and successfully nest in the Dr. William A. Niering Natural Area Preserve in Harkness Memorial State Park. The closure of this preserve to the public minimizes human disturbance to these birds during the sensitive nesting season. Access points to the preserve are posted with signage informing visitors that the area is closed.
There are many reasons for closing pedestrian and angler access to these sensitive locations, many shorebirds are known to abandon their nests and, in some cases, even their live young if they are repeatedly disturbed. Disturbances that can lead to abandonment include; boat or kayak landings, campouts, bonfires, unleashed dogs and people closely approaching the nesting areas. This is why places like Charles and Duck Islands are closed to the public during nesting seasons. DEEP Environmental Conservation Police Officers patrol the islands. The islands are entirely closed, and landing watercraft on the shoreline is prohibited.
Piping plovers and least terns need special protection throughout their nesting season from April through August and especially during the increased beach activity that occurs during holiday weekends (Memorial Day and July 4). Both species use a shallow depression in the sand for a nest. Their sand-colored eggs and young are so well camouflaged that they could easily be stepped on by accident. When perceived predators approach, young piping plovers are likely to stand motionless while the adult tries to attract attention by pretending to have a broken wing or flying around the intruder. If you witness this behavior, DEEP advises you to move away from the area and toward the water’s edge at once.
DEEP also provides the following advice to protect nesting shorebirds and help them survive the challenges of living in beach habitat: Walk close to the water on the lower portion of a beach, so birds resting and nesting on the upper portion of the beach remain undisturbed. Be vigilant for posted signs that will alert you to sensitive areas. Follow all guidance on signs, and respect all areas fenced or posted for protection of wildlife.
Do not attempt to “rescue” young birds that appear to be lost or too young to be solitary. They should not be removed from the beach to be cared for at home. In most cases, when immature birds are found alone, the adults have been frightened away but remain nearby and will return to their young once the intruder leaves. It is illegal to hold wildlife for rehabilitation without proper state or federal permits. In addition, shorebirds have a unique diet that people would find hard to duplicate, probably resulting in starvation of the young bird. Any violations affecting wildlife should be reported to the DEEP’s 24-hour, toll-free hot line: 1-800-842-HELP (4357).
