Surveying for Merlin with a drone and thermal sensor

This video shows trials undertaken to assess the effectiveness of a drone with thermal sensor to help detect breeding Merlin in Ireland. These survey trials are carried out by BirdWatch Ireland (under licence to NPWS) as part of a project to assess current mitigation measures for the protection of Merlin and Hen Harrier from forest management related disturbances and to make recommendations for improvements where relevant, which is funded by Coillte. The drone and thermal sensor used in these surveys was provided by Survey Drones Ireland (surveydrones.ie/)

[@veonltd]

Excellent video utilizing technology to protect nesting Merlins in broadleaf and conifer forests. Well done Coillte and Birdwatch Ireland!

[@paultoner8789]

Fantastic idea.seems to work very well and no disturbance

[@eIIemenopee]

Great work!

[@gillianfisher1151]

How high could you fly and still be able to identify enough detail to identify the nest?

[@BirdWatchIreland]

Hi Gillian, the flight height would be between 70 - 100m above the nest, it is possible to identify the nest from this distance

[@dallankeaney8419]

Bit money go missing to produce this .oh and bit overtime