Connecticut officials warn beachgoers of nesting shorebirds as they announce some park area closures

Environmental officials in Connecticut are warning beachgoers to steer clear of places where coastal birds gather and nest for the season. The state Department of Energy and Environmental Protection says it has also temporarily closed three areas to prevent disturbances to several state-listed nesting birds, including piping plovers. Connecticut law prohibits people from entering state-designated seabird and shorebird protection areas. The agency says shorebirds frequently nest in shallow depressions in the sand near where beachgoers swim, fish and recreate. Their nesting season runs from April to September.