The owl files – Chapter 3: Bloody drones!!!

03 June 2022

Bloody drones!!!

Last night I was out on the roof at sunset monitoring the behaviour of the owls. They had both already left the Oak tree, but were not visible from where I was sitting. Eventually the female popped up onto the parapet – probably from the window ledge below. She settled down in her ‘normal’ spot but there was no sign (or sound) of the male. A drone – with red-and-green flashing lights was hovering above the Centre, and when the male finally joined the female it swooped lower and passed directly over us heading for the lawn behind the Centre up towards Standard Drive. The male, who had been looking agitated, immediately flew off towards the sanctuary.

This has been the second time in less than a week that we have been bugged by drones at the Centre. On Sunday, we had a drone hovering just outside the front door when we returned from working on the flat. SO MUCH FOR NOT FLYING WITHIN 50M OF ANYONE.

There have been a number of reports of wildlife being disturbed and even harassed by people flying drones and it was clear from the male’s behaviour that he had been ‘spooked’! This can’t be allowed to continue!

By Geoff Lockwwod