Drones disturb waterbird flocks and scare geese, swans and ducks away from winter feeding grounds

Geese, swans and ducks are easily startled by drones, scientists have found. The flying machines are becoming increasingly common in the UK as the technology becomes cheaper and the devices easier to fly. However, conservationists from the British Trust for Ornithology (BTO) found the presence of the whirring machines can trigger fear in the birds, causing them to flee. Disturbances caused by drones could affect rare and protected species, causing them to waste energy and reduce time spent in winter feeding grounds, experts fear. Conservationists from the British Trust for Ornithology (BTO) found the presence of drones can trigger fear in waterbirds, causing them to flee.