'We Want These Birds To Thrive': Sandy Hook Foundation Cancels Concert Series After Finding Shorebird Nest

HIGHLANDS, N.J. (CBS) --  The Sandy Hook Foundation has cancelled its 2019 Summer Concert Series due to its close proximity to a nest of federally-protected shore birds. A piping plover nest was found at Sandy Hook's Beach E in early June.

The United States Fish and Wildlife Service recommended, in this case, a buffer of 1000 meters of the nest to avoid harm, disturbance or killing of the birds. This year, the plovers have built more than 20 nests at the location that the Sandy Hook Foundation uses for concerts.

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Noise scares the birds so much they can't focus on what they flew here to do, which is live on Sandy Hook for a couple of months, then move on.

"The park did try to find an alternative location, but could not identify anything that meets the Foundation's needs or the spirit of what this program has become," said Gateway Superintendent Jen Neresian. "We are disappointed right alongside our visitors, but appreciate everyone's support in helping to save a species on the brink."

All along the Atlantic coast there are nearly 1,900 nesting pairs of plovers, according to Meagan Racey, spokesperson for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

"New York and New Jersey's population is perilously low, with each bird making a difference toward recovery and removal of federal (ESA) protections," said Racey.