A section of Jersey Shore beach is currently off-limits to visitors, thanks to a pair of American Oystercatchers that have made it their nesting site just in time for the Memorial Day weekend.
These birds have chosen the sands of Belmar for their new home, prompting the New Jersey Fish and Wildlife department to restrict access to the area to safeguard the birds and their eggs, according to NJ Advance Media.
At 7th Avenue Beach, one of Belmar’s most frequented locations, signs have been put up by the agency with the message “Do Not Enter.” These signs inform the public that the area is a designated nesting zone for the shorebirds, which enjoy protection under federal law.
The signs also caution beachgoers that disturbing the birds, their eggs, or their chicks could result in a hefty fine of up to $50,000 or even imprisonment.
Although these American Oystercatchers are not classified as endangered or threatened in New Jersey, as reported by the Conserve Wildlife Foundation of New Jersey, they are still afforded legal protections to ensure their safety and conservation.
The birds are not listed as endangered or threatened species in New Jersey, according to Conserve Wildlife Foundation of New Jersey.
However, their status has been to changed to one of “special concern.”
Many on social media agreed with the agency’s efforts to protect the creatures, which are known for their black and white body and long orange-red bill.
“Love love love this!!!! Beautiful birds! One of my favorite!” one gushed.
“Leave that cute birdie alone people,” another added.
Others thought even more safety precautions were needed.
“We should send a biologist or conservation police to guard the area,” one wrote.
DEP officials told the outlet that the length of time the area would be closed will be determined by whether the chicks opt to remain there after hatching.
If the baby birds decide to relocate to another spot on the beach, that new area will be closed off instead, the agency added.
