Date: 6/2/25 10:47 am From: Diana F. <diana.fru...> Subject: [Arlington Birds] Drones
Forwarding in case you know anyone in the Gloucester area that you can pass
this along to.
Thanks
Diana Fruguglietti
Woburn
---------- Forwarded message ---------
From: Kim Smith <kimsmith.designs1...>
Date: Mon, Jun 2, 2025, 12:52 PM
Subject: Drones
To:
Dear PiPl Friends,
I imagine anyone who receives my newsletter already knows this but in case
you may know of someone who would benefit from reading the following,
please share. Thank you so much :)
*Why Can't I Fly My Drone Over Good Harbor Beach*
Fairly frequently when coming onto Good Harbor Beach to check on the
Plovers, we find the birds off their nests and in utter panic. I have
learned over time that there is only one reason why the birds along the one
mile stretch of beach are frightened enough to leave their nests, in
unison. Sure enough, in a moment or two, you hear the drone's whirring
motor first and then observe as it passes over the protected areas of the
beach. Usually not one go-around, but the operators make repeated passes
over the birds. Whether zooming at top speed or hovering, the Plovers are
terrified by these modern day avian predator-like cameras.
It is illegal and considered harassment under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act
to operate a drone over breeding areas. People are either unaware, feign
ignorance, or even worse, are aware and simply don't care. Countless times
we have come onto our shifts to find all the birds in the area in complete
meltdown mode. The birds think the drone is a predator that has come to eat
their eggs, chicks, or themselves. There are even instances where a bird
has flown after the drone and becomes injured. Today a man told me he was
fully licensed to fly his drone over Good Harbor Beach. Drone operators
need to understand that state, federal, and local ordinances supersede any
licensing permit (see below for Good Harbor Beach regulations regarding
drones).
There is accumulating evidence that the mere presence of drones causes
direct harm to birds, not just during breeding season. The unfamiliarity
and noise interrupts courtship, mating, and feeding. Entire tern and heron
colonies have been abandoned due to drone disturbances.
[image: Piping Plover frightened by drone copyright Kim Smith.jpeg]
*Plover in crouched position, frightened by overhead drone, and off her
nest*
This past spring there was a political rally at Good Harbor Beach. We
thought it tremendous that people were gathering in support of their views
and the birds had absolutely no problem with the steady stream of people
entering the beach from all directions. However, the representative's
organizers began preparing a sign that could be read only from an aerial
pov, which meant they intended to fly a drone over the beach. We asked the
organizers to please not fly the drone but they ignored our pleas and told
us the drone was only going to fly over the water and the drone would only
be on the beach for a few minutes. Of course we knew that would not be the
case and sure enough the drone flew repeatedly over the dunes, disturbing
every bird along the entire length of the beach. After fifteen minutes of
sounding their alarm calls, all the birds on the beach flew off in unison.
The drone was documented flying low over the beach for 45 minutes. Clearly,
a beach with nesting birds is not the place to hold a rally if a drone is
part of the equation, particularly when there are other locations as easily
accessed.
Over millennia, nesting birds evolved with the constant threat of avian
predators, including hawks, falcons, crows, gulls, and eagles. They have
not adapted to understand that a drone is not a predator, no matter how
much the drone operator protests that the birds are unbothered by the drone
and have become used to its presence.
It is imperative for the safety of the birds that they have a healthy fear
of drones. The last thing we want are nestlings thinking that hovering
airborne shapes are nothing to be afraid of.
In our collective experiences monitoring the Plovers, we come across
unethical behavior not only on the part of drone operators but also by
fellow wildlife enthusiasts. We have seen photographers mashed up against
the symbolically roped off areas, despite massively long telephoto lens,
parking themselves for hours on end, and also following the birds
relentlessly up and down the beach, despite the bird's clear signals it is
trying to get away and/or tend to its chicks. Early on in the pursuit of my
dream to document wildlife, I was part of crowds that photographed owls.
Observing how sensitive are owls, I no longer film owls in known locations.
If I come across an owl or rare bird when out filming, I take a few photos
and footage and go on my way. Crowds and hovering persons are also the
reason why I no longer post specific locales and keep location information
general.
To ethically document wildlife requires thought and is also a tremendous
responsibility. We can all do our part to protect the beautiful creatures
in our midst by being mindful and sensing their boundaries, especially,
especially during the time of year when they are breeding.
Thank you for taking the time to read this information. I hope your
question is answered, and why. Please share this post. Thank you :)
As always, more photos on blog.
Many thanks to City Councilman Scott Memhard for helping me locate the
regulations on the City's website!
*City of Gloucester Good Harbor Beach Regulations for Model Airplanes,
Radio Controlled Aircraft, Drones*
*Good Harbor Beach Parking Lot *
1. Permitted to fly only when beach parking lot is not in operation (no
attendant on duty).
2. Restricted to times when pedestrian and vehicle traffic are at a minimum.
*3. Not permitted before 8:30am. *
*4. Shall fly over the parking lot and marsh areas, not the road or beach. *
5. Noise levels will be restricted to an acceptable level (non-flow thru,
expansion chamber mufflers only).
6. Pilots shall fly in a safe and responsible manner at all times.
7. Pilots will be responsible and liable for their actions.
8. Pilots will abide by regulations in effect and maintain a safe
environment.
*9. Pilots will be considerate of wetlands and wildlife.*
