Milford's Charles Island Is Closed, Here's Why

MILFORD, CT — Charles Island in Milford will be closed to the public to prevent disturbances to nesting birds.

Connecticut’s Department of Energy and Environmental Protection said Charles Island and Duck Island in Westbrook are closed off to the public through Sept. 9. Audubon Connecticut also designated the two islands as important bird areas.

“Protecting wildlife and their habitat is one of DEEP’s most critical functions,” Katie Dykes said, DEEP Commissioner. “We coordinate closely with conservation organizations and work to educate the public about the importance of preserving these bird populations here in Connecticut.”

Signs stating the closure of Charles and Duck Islands are posted, and DEEP Environmental Conservation Police Officers will be patrolling the islands. The islands are closed, and watercraft landing on the shoreline is prohibited. The public can help to protect nesting birds by following the closure and reporting any observed violations by calling DEEP’s 24-hour Dispatch Center at 1-800-842-HELP

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

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

To protect the nesting colonies (also known as rookeries) on Charles and Duck Islands, educational signs have been erected at access points describing these state-listed birds and why they should not be disturbed. Additionally, the sites are posted with island closure notices; the rookeries are fenced, and signs are posted that read “Do Not Enter – Bird Nesting Area.”

DEEP also asks beach visitors and boaters along the Connecticut shoreline to respect the fencing and yellow signs warning of piping plover and least tern nesting sites on various coastal beaches statewide.

• Walk close to the water on the lower beach so that birds can rest and nest on the upper beach. Signs usually alert you to these areas. Follow all other guidance on signs, and respect all areas fenced or posted for wildlife protection.
• Refrain from walking dogs or allowing house cats to roam freely on beaches during the nesting season. Dogs are only allowed at a few beach areas during the bird nesting season. These areas include but are not limited to Compo Beach in Westport, Long Beach and Short Beach in Stratford, Pleasure Beach in Bridgeport, Silver Sands State Park and Milford Point in Milford, Sherwood Island State Park in Westport, Sandy Point in West Haven, Bluff Point Coastal Reserve in Groton, and Hammonasset Beach State Park in Madison.
• In areas where dogs are allowed, always keep them on a leash, but remember that even leashed dogs have the potential to step on nests and young. Dogs also may harass sensitive shorebirds by chasing them.
• Keep your distance while photographing or birdwatching so the birds can safely attend to their eggs and chicks.
• Remove trash and food scraps, which attract animals that might eat piping plover eggs and chicks.
• Do not feed animals or wildlife on or near the beach.
• Do not attempt to “rescue” young birds that appear to be lost or too young. 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.

Holding wildlife for rehabilitation without proper state or federal permits is illegal. In addition, shorebirds have a special diet that people would find hard to duplicate, probably resulting in the starvation of the young bird. Any wildlife violations should be reported to DEEP’s 24-hour, toll-free hotline: 1-800-842-HELP.