Coastal Residents Outraged Over July 4 Flags and Bird Warning

WHO:

NY Post - Homeowners in Plum Island, Newbury, Massachusetts.

Fox News - Town officials in Newbury, Massachusetts.

WHAT:

NY Post - Homeowners received a notice regarding the use of devices and materials that could deter protected shorebirds.

Fox News - The notice indicated that American flags on properties could violate endangered species laws protecting shorebirds.

WHERE:

NY Post - Plum Island, Newbury, Massachusetts.

Fox News - Newbury, Massachusetts.

WHY:

NY Post - The warning was issued because the town had "become aware of the use of devices and materials intended to deter" protected shorebirds from using local beach and dune systems.

Fox News - The town's warning was based on concerns that July 4 flags could threaten endangered birds.

HOW:

NY Post - The town communicated the warning through a notice to homeowners.

(UPDATED June 27, 2026 21:16 UTC)

Homeowners in Plum Island, Newbury, Massachusetts, have received a notice from town officials regarding the use of devices and materials that could deter protected shorebirds. The warning highlights that displaying American flags on properties might violate endangered species laws designed to protect these birds, especially as the town has become aware of concerns surrounding their local beach and dune systems. This notice was issued in light of the upcoming July 4 celebrations, emphasizing the potential threat to endangered birds posed by these flags.