What do kites, fireworks and free-roaming cats and dogs have in common?

All can be a problem for nesting birds on the shoreline. Disturbances can cause shore birds such as piping plovers, oystercatchers, herons and egrets to abandon their nests, leaving eggs and hatchlings to die.

So the state Department of Energy and Environmental Protection has issued a warning to beachgoers to be mindful of nesting birds as they enjoy the beach.

"We urge beachgoers to keep fireworks and kites, especially kites that make noise, away from beach areas," said Jenny Dickson, director of DEEP's wildlife division, in a release. "We are also asking people to keep their pets leashed at all times and to stay away from fenced areas."

The DEEP has been erecting fencing with yellow warning signs along the beaches most frequented by shore birds, who tend to build shallow nests directly in the sand. It also has cordoned off islands where herons and egrets congregate in rookeries, having also closed Charles Island in Milford and Duck Island in Westbrook during nesting season.

As the busy July 4 holiday nears, the public is asked to stay at least 50 yards away from areas where large concentrations of birds are located. They also should be on the lookout for tiny birds shortly after hatching who often wander on the beach, away from the fenced-off nesting areas.

"Check local ordinances before bringing pets to beaches; dogs are prohibited at some beaches during the summer season," Dickson said.

The state lost at least one piping plover to an unleashed dog in 2016, according to the DEEP. Another nest was trampled by beachgoers who didn't pay attention to signs about staying away from a fenced area.

Adult birds often warn humans when they are encroaching on nests, so the DEEP said beachgoers should pay attention to distressed birds and move away from those areas when birds create disturbances.

Violations of wildlife regulations can be reported to DEEP's hot line, 1-800-842-HELP or (860) 424-3333.

l.howard@theday.com