Beach town residents upset over flag notice as

A Massachusetts seashore town is outraged just days before America’s 250th anniversary, after some residents imagine their American flags are being focused as doubtlessly violating endangered species legal guidelines.

Homeowners on Plum Island had been just lately despatched a notice from the Town of Newbury that cautioned them not to use “devices and materials intended to deter” protected shorebirds that nest on local beaches and shorelines. The letter listed “mylar streamers, flags, [and] reflective supplies” as examples of those devices.

The letter, obtained by Fox News Digital, said deterring the birds is prohibited under state law and the federal Endangered Species Act and warned that they could face significant fines and regulatory penalties.

“Non-compliance may result in state or federal enforcement actions and, thus, the town urges residents to comply with applicable state and federal wildlife protection laws,” the letter stated.

Some species of Shorebirds are listed as endangered. The small bird typically nests on beaches, laying its eggs in the sand or making shallow depressions to keep them safe.

Social media users expressed outrage over the notice.

“God forbid a bird should be inconvenienced,” one X user wrote.

“Flags have been flown for centuries, and all of a sudden, when we’re about to celebrate our 250th, it’s a problem. GTFO,” another X user added.

Other users, however, added that the issue was one of reading comprehension.

“This is all bulls—. Newbury, MA, sent a message to homeowners on Plum Island not to put up ‘mylar streamers, flags, [and] reflective materials’ to keep the area’s protected bird species off of their property. The key word here is MYLAR. It’s not ‘Flags’, it’s reflective flags and materials. People interpreted it wrong and decided to go nuts rather than ask someone,” a user explained.

The notice has precipitated some Plum Island residents to imagine that the “flags’ listed in the notice were targeting their July 4 plans.

One longtime resident told Fox that there were about “10 miles of open beach” undisturbed by homes, where the birds might roam free.

Town officers emphasised to the news outlet that they don’t seem to be stopping residents from waving the American flag.

Newbury Town Administrator Tracy Blais issued a assertion to the news outlet: “The letter merely recited provisions of the law, and the town is not asserting any threat or legal liability – merely reminding property owners that they live in a very special place which comes along with certain responsibilities.”

She added: “The town is not asserting any rights or control it does not have, and I think the town’s letter is pretty clear on that point.”

Some disgruntled residents contacted the Pacific Legal Foundation.

The group despatched a letter to the town outlining issues about property rights and the legality of the claims.

The group said it had despatched a letter to the town for clarification on whether or not residents face legal legal responsibility for celebrating Independence Day on their property.

“Flying the red, white, and blue on the Fourth of July is as American as apple pie. For Massachusetts local officials to claim otherwise violates both the First and Fifth Amendments to the United States Constitution,” PLF said in a press release.