Drone operators must avoid flying their aircraft near occupied bird nests. Recently, a Peregrine Falcon an authorized nest watcher reported to the Arizona Game and Fish Department that a pair of falcons became upset when a drone approached their nest site. One of the Peregrines was so threatened that it attacked the drone, causing it to crash to the ground. 

“While thankfully no one was hurt in this incident, it could have very well caused a potential nest failure,” said Kenneth Jacobson of the AZGFD. “Our main duty is to conserve and protect wildlife, but we can only do that with the public’s support and respect for wildlife. This will ensure these magnificent animals – and your drone – will live to fly another day.”

Incidents in which drones were purposely flown over nesting tern and skimmer island nesting colonies in California, and other examples in across the country have heightened “drone awareness.” All native birds, and especially nesting birds, are protected from harassment by any means by the Migratory Bird Treaty. Enjoy your drone; avoid nesting birds please! 

  For more information, contact Nathan Gonzalez at ngonzalez@azgfd.gov  (623-236-7230).