The bird population at New York City beaches is not happy with the police drones that have been deployed in the area. The drones were supposed to help with shark surveillance and aid struggling swimmers, but they have instead caused chaos among the local birds. These shorebirds have been seen swarming and dive-bombing the drones in an attempt to drive them away.
Experts believe that the drones may be seen as a threat by the birds, causing them to defend their nests and offspring. Veronica Welsh from the city’s Parks Department mentioned that the birds are extremely annoyed by the presence of the drones and will aggressively attack them. David Bird, a wildlife biology professor, explained that the stress caused by the drones could lead the birds to abandon their nests, which would be disastrous for the endangered American oystercatchers that primarily nest on Rockaway beach.
The concern is that if the birds continue to feel threatened by the drones, they may flee the area and leave their eggs vulnerable. The impact of the drones on the bird population is a serious issue that needs to be addressed to protect these endangered species. The NYPD’s drone program has come under scrutiny due to these unintended consequences, and further investigation is needed to find a solution that ensures the safety of both humans and wildlife on the beaches of New York City.
