Federal and New York law protect migratory and native birds in Suffolk County. Take, possession, or nest disturbance is generally illegal without permit, including for piping plovers nesting on Suffolk beaches.
Most birds in Suffolk County are protected by the federal Migratory Bird Treaty Act and New York Environmental Conservation Law Section 11-0535. Piping plovers, least terns, and other shorebirds nesting on Suffolk County south shore and East End beaches are also protected under the federal Endangered Species Act. Removing nests, eggs, or feathers without a federal or state permit is illegal. Beachgoers must respect posted nesting closures during breeding season. Property owners should consult NYS DEC before any work that may disturb active nests, including swallows and chimney swifts.
Take of protected bird: federal MBTA misdemeanor up to fifteen thousand dollars and six months jail; ESA violations carry higher civil and criminal penalties.
Suffolk County, NY
Suffolk County Code Chapter 355 (Feeding of Waterfowl) prohibits feeding ducks, geese, and swans in county parks and at county-controlled waterways. NY ECL 1...
Suffolk County, NY
Suffolk County coastline along Long Island Sound, Peconic Bays, and the Atlantic Ocean is regulated under New York State coastal erosion and tidal wetlands l...
See how Suffolk County's bird protection rules stack up against other locations.
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