DEEP gives privacy to CT’s nesting beach birds

The Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection is asking beachgoers and boaters to respect the nesting sites of the Piping Plover and Least Tern, two state threatened bird species, along the Connecticut shoreline.

Certain areas of West Beach, at Hammonasset Beach State Park, where the plovers are nesting, may not be accessed. The nesting sites are roped or fenced off and marked with yellow signs.

Any type of disturbance, such as kite flying, kiteboarding or dog walking is not allowed within 200 meters of the nesting area, according to DEEP.

Additionally, Charles Island in Milford and Duck Island in Westbrook will be closed to the public from now through September 9, to prevent disturbances to nesting birds.

Both islands have been designated by DEEP as Natural Area Preserves, primarily due to their importance as nesting habitats for several state-listed birds, including snowy egrets and great egrets which are state threatened species, glossy ibis and little blue herons which are listed as state special concern.

from News https://www.ctpost.com/local/article/DEEP-gives-privacy-to-CT-s-nesting-beach-birds-13900881.php