Using a drone to monitoring arboreal nests of birds of prey

Abstract

ABSTRACT The breeding parameters of birds are the key element of bird population monitoring. The assessment of nesting success is difficult in the case of arboreal nests, which are typical for birds of prey. Drones are valuable tools for monitoring arboreal nest occupancy. We tested the feasibility of safely monitoring the common buzzard Buteo buteo and northern goshawk Accipiter gentilis nests via drones. We compared assessments of nest occupancy and the number of fledglings in occupied nests using drones with those obtained from traditional ground-based observations. Additionally, the response of the raptors to drone appearance was documented. The assessments of the nest occupancy of the common buzzard from the ground level and the drone were not significantly different. The monitoring of nest occupation by drones was more precise for northern goshawks. Monitoring using drones showed a higher number of juveniles. Adult birds reacted weakly to the presence of the drone. Our study indicates that monitoring arboreal nests of birds of prey with drones is more effective than monitoring arboreal nests from the ground and does not elicit adverse reactions from the birds. Further studies should be conducted to determine the responses of other raptors.