Piping plovers return to Duxbury Beach

DUXBURY, Mass. (MyFoxBoston.com) -- Piping plovers are forcing officials in Duxbury to cancel beach parties and bonfires for the second year in a row.

The birds are a protected species who have set up their nests on the dunes of Duxbury Beach. A large portion of the beach is closed until their nesting period is over.

The Boston Globe reports there are less than 2,000 pairs of birds left.

According to Wicked Local Duxbury, the Fourth of July party was relocated to a school complex last year, but the turnout was low. They're hoping to get feedback from residents about what to do this time.

Cox Media Group