Brookhaven Posts Signs Warning Boaters Of Nesting Waterbirds

BELLPORT, NY — Brookhaven Town officials have posted signs to warn boaters about disturbing nesting waterbirds on the south shore’s islands.

The signs, which were posted recently by staff from the town’s Division of Environmental Protection and Audubon New York, are designed to alert the public to the birds’ fragile nature and are meant to reinforce that it is illegal to disturb nesting birds.

Boats cruising along the shoreline will not disrupt the bird colonies, but introducing dogs to the shore can cause some significant damage — disturbing birds that leave their eggs or nestlings, making them become very vulnerable to predators, including the gulls that nest on the island, town officials said.

Town Code restricts entry on to John Boyles Island, East Island, West Island, New Made Island, and Carter's Island during the colonial waterbird breeding season between mid-May and mid-August, town officials said.

The islands provide a “natural breeding place” for a variety of species, including herring gull, great black-backed gull, lesser terns, glossy ibis, great egrets, herons, and ducks, according to a town news release.

Supervisor Ed Romaine said that the town’s staff takes “great pride in their stewardship” of natural resources,” and they are dedicated to preserve and protect these sensitive wildlife habitats.”

“If you come across a nesting place, please keep your distance and do not disturb the site or any animals raising their young,” he added.

To find out more about Brookhaven’s environmental regulations, go to www.BrookhavenNY.gov.