MKO is advancing the use of thermal drones to identify, locate and study bird nests and roosts, supporting our Ornithology team. Multiple experiments were carried out in 2024 to test this innovative drone technology. The hypothesis was that drones, mounted with different sensors, could detect the presence of birds in areas that are not easy to access or to observe by a surveyor on the ground. Drones may also be useful in other instances, such as to confirm the location and breeding of previously observed nesting birds quicker than traditional surveys.
MKO deployed a drone equipped with a variety of payloads and conducted experiments on several sites during the winter months to identify and locate Hen Harrier roosts and during the summer, to identify nests of Hen Harrier and Merlin. The research helped in defining a solid methodology for each specific type of drone survey (winter roosts or nests) and was successful in achieving the goals mentioned above.
The thermal camera was demonstrated to be a key component of the drone. During winter roosts surveys, it was the only means to detect roosting birds at night, within a few hours after the birds had gone to roost. During summer, the thermal camera was useful in securing the detection of nests and chicks from a distance of over 100m, thereby keeping a safe flight distance to ensure minimum disturbance. The drone could then switch to its powerful telescopic camera and take very high-resolution photos and video footage without approaching the nest. A laser rangefinder mounted on the drone can pin the location of the nest with extreme accuracy.
MKO is keen to continue the experimentation over 2025. Drone technology has shown great potential in improving traditional bird surveys and we are excited to add this application to our list of drone services.
All surveys outlined above were conducted under a National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) licence.
