Residents of a small Massachusetts island community are shocked and furious upon learning from town officials that they may not be able to fly American flags to celebrate the nation's upcoming 250th birthday.

As Fox News reported on Saturday, homeowners on Plum Island received a letter from the town of Newbury warning them last week that it had become aware of multiple "devices and materials intended to deter" protected shorebirds from frequenting beach and dune systems.

These materials included "mylar streamers, flags, and reflective materials."

The letter goes on to mention that homeowners could face significant financial penalties for failing to comply with the state and federal Endangered Species Acts, which Newbury town officials have vowed to enforce.

"Activities intended to deter protected shorebirds from utilizing suitable habitat may be viewed as harassment or disruption of normal feeding, nesting, or migratory behavior," which is prohibited under the state and federal Endangered Species Acts, and "carry significant regulatory and financial penalties," the letter reads.

"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."

When Fox News went to speak with the residents, they were stunned to see flags included in the letter.

"Are you serious?!" Marc Sarkady, who has lived on the island for over 30 years, said, "You're telling me I can't fly American flags on my property to celebrate America 250?"

Sarkady also pointed out that there were "10 miles of open beach" free of houses where the birds can frequent.

Before receiving the letter last week, Sarkady and other residents took pains to prepare for a major 4th of July celebration honoring America's 250th birthday.

From Fox News:

Prior to receiving the letter last week, Sarkady and other community members launched a grassroots effort to distribute American flags and signs to commemorate America's 250th anniversary. They distributed around 50 American flags and around 100 revolutionary-style flag signs reading, "Plum Island Honors America" to residents across the island.

"It's really us trying to bring the island together — everybody, by the way, not left, not right, America, American citizens, and really reaching out. That's really the spirit of what I'm trying to do here," Sarkady explained.