Share the Shore with Nesting Birds

Help Protect Endangered Birds Along the Connecticut Coastline

(HARTFORD) — As the summer beach season approaches, the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) reminds beachgoers and others recreating along the shoreline to share the shore with nesting birds.

With increasing public use of beaches, there are fewer places for shorebirds like piping plovers and least terns, species identified under the Connecticut Endangered Species Act as needing conservation and protection, to feed, rest, and raise their young. More intense coastal storms and tidal flooding associated with a changing climate have added to the challenges these birds face. DEEP takes steps to protect nesting shorebirds and waterbirds, and the public can help by exercising caution and following 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 work closely with conservation partners and strive to educate the public about the importance of protecting these bird populations. When we visit the shoreline, we also are visiting critical habitat for these species.”

Protection of Piping Plovers and Least Terns

Piping plovers and least terns require protection throughout their nesting season, from April through August, especially during periods of high beach use such as Memorial Day and Fourth of July weekends. Human disturbance at beach nesting areas can result in nest abandonment or the loss of eggs and chicks. To reduce these risks, DEEP marks nesting sites with rope and fencing to discourage entry. By following posted signs and avoiding fenced areas, beach visitors can help protect these birds.

Both species nest in shallow depressions in the sand, and their eggs and young are highly camouflaged, making them easy to overlook and accidentally step on. When threatened, adult plovers may perform a “broken wing” display to draw attention away from their young. If you observe this behavior, move away immediately, preferably toward the water’s edge.

Shorebird Protection Laws

A state law passed in 2023 allows DEEP to designate protection areas for seabirds and shorebirds on coastal state properties. These areas are clearly marked with fencing and signage, and state law prohibits entry by anyone other than DEEP-authorized staff and volunteers. In addition, pets, vehicles, and bicycles are not allowed within 25 feet of protection areas. Violation of the statute results in an infraction and violators may be charged a fine either by DEEP Environmental Conservation Police or local law enforcement. These statutory protections provide a valuable tool for DEEP and partner organizations in their efforts to conserve rare and endangered bird species along the Connecticut coast.

Niering Natural Area Preserve

The Dr. William A. Niering Preserve is located within Harkness Memorial State Park in Waterford. The Niering Preserve is closed to the public to prevent disturbances to nesting birds including state-listed species such as piping plovers and least terns. The piping plover, a small, sandy-colored shorebird about the size of a robin, is listed as threatened under both the federal Endangered Species Act and Connecticut law. The least tern, a small gull-like bird that nests in colonies in similar habitats, is also a state threatened species. These birds consistently nest in the Dr. William A. Niering Natural Area Preserve, and restricting access helps minimize disturbance during the nesting season. Because of the challenges posed by this preserve being co-located with a popular coastal park, DEEP asks all visitors to Harkness to please be aware of and respect fencing and posted signs marking nesting areas for piping plovers and least terns.

Natural Area Preserves at Charles and Duck Islands

Charles Island in Milford and Duck Island in Westbrook are also Natural Area Preserves that are closed to the public to avoid disturbance to critical shorebird nesting areas or “rookeries.” Charles and Duck Islands also are recognized as Important Bird Areas by Audubon Connecticut.

To protect the rookeries on these islands, DEEP has installed educational signage at access points describing the birds and the importance of avoiding disturbance. The islands are posted with closure notices, fenced in sensitive areas, and marked with “Do Not Enter – Bird Nesting Area” signs.

Disturbances such as unleashed dogs, boat or kayak landings, people entering fenced areas, camping, and bonfires can cause young birds to fall from nests. Once on the ground, they often die from starvation or predation. Repeated disturbances may cause adults to abandon nesting sites entirely.

DEEP Environmental Conservation Police Officers patrol the islands, which are fully closed to the public. Landing watercraft on the shoreline is prohibited. The public can help by respecting closures and reporting violations to DEEP’s 24-hour Dispatch Center at 1-800-842-HELP (4357).

“Each year, Charles and Duck Islands are closed during the nesting season to protect several bird species. Fencing also is installed at beach nesting areas along Connecticut’s shoreline to safeguard piping plovers and least terns,” said Jenny Dickson, DEEP Wildlife Division Director. “Closing these areas, along with public cooperation, is a simple and effective way to protect these birds.”

Shorebird Protection Guidelines

DEEP also offers the following guidance to help protect nesting shorebirds:

Be aware of and keep a distance from any shorebird protection areas demarcated by fencing and signage. Do not enter shorebird protection areas and keep pets, bicycles, and vehicles at least 25 feet away from these areas. Violators of these protections provided by state law are subject to fine by DEEP Environmental Conservation Police.
Walk close to the water along the lower portion of the beach to avoid disturbing birds resting or nesting higher up on the beach. Stay alert for posted signs and follow all guidance.
Do not allow dogs or cats to roam freely on beaches during the nesting season. Dogs are prohibited at many beach areas during this time, including Compo Beach and Sherwood Island State Park in Westport, Long Beach and Short Beach in Stratford, Pleasure Beach in Bridgeport, Silver Sands State Park and Milford Point in Milford, Sandy Point in West Haven, Harkness Memorial State Park in Waterford, Bluff Point Coastal Reserve in Groton, and Hammonasset Beach State Park in Madison.
Where dogs are allowed, keep them leashed and under control. Even leashed dogs can unintentionally disturb nests or chase birds.
Keep a safe distance when photographing or observing birds so they can care for their eggs and chicks without disturbance.
Remove trash and food scraps, which can attract predators that may prey on eggs and chicks.
Do not feed wildlife on or near the beach.
Do not attempt to “rescue” young birds that appear to be alone. In most cases, adults are nearby and will return once the disturbance has passed. It is illegal to possess wildlife without proper permits, and shorebirds require specialized diets that are difficult to replicate in captivity.

Any violations affecting wildlife should be reported to DEEP’s 24-hour, toll-free hotline at 1-800-842-HELP (4357).

Piping Plover - Paul Benjunas/CT DEEP

Piping Plover – Piping plovers need special protection throughout their nesting season and especially during the increased beach activity experienced over Memorial Day weekend. By obeying the posted signs and staying away from fenced areas, beach visitors can avoid disturbing the nesting birds. Credit Paul Benjunas/DEEP

Great Egret - Paul J. Fusco/DEEP

Great Egret – Charles and Duck 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 (pictured; state-threatened species), glossy ibis, and little blue herons (state special concern). Credit Paul J. Fusco/DEEP

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