In order to prevent the disturbance of nesting birds, Connecticut's Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) has closed two state islands to the public.

The measure affects Charles Island in Milford and Duck Island in Westbrook, which are now closed to the public from now through Sept. 9, 2023.

"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 (state threatened species), glossy ibis, and little blue herons (state special concern)," according to a statement on the DEEP website.

The DEEP Wildlife Division lists a number of steps people can take to protect nesting shorebirds. You can find that list by clicking on this link.