he PhD Project was awarded a generous grant from Sea-Changers, a marine conservation charity, to support our drone-based seal research at the Ythan Estuary. This funding is crucial for providing the on-the-ground assistance needed to ensure safe and effective drone flights, while safeguarding the delicate wildlife of the reserve. It's all the people on the ground who make my research possible. I’m excited to introduce Sophie, read on to hear her reflections on the role! In early August, around 7:30am we make our way to the look-out point. The grassy, sage tones of the dunes and birdsong pepper the gorse lining the boardwalk. Woody sounds underfoot soon dampen into soft sand, engaging my senses as we approach the flight zone. The reserve is quietly buzzing with life. Mirrored morning light The approach to the seals at the start of each survey is a treasured routine. I absorb the changing features that greet us on each visit – from where the light hits the w...
Our second summer season has now wrapped up, and once again the project has proven it never fails to surprise. This summer’s “fun” challenges included presidential visits that blocked GPS signals for a week and the seals themselves shifting just out of range for much of early summer. Why they moved, and why they came back, is still a bit of a mystery. Restricted airspace map from altitude angel app. Local stories add some fun anecdotes to the puzzle. Some people remember being told as children that the sands around the North point were “sinking sands.” Others wonder if it’s simply that the seals prefer to sit beside the fence the reserve puts up each April. if only seals would share their insights? Closing in on 100 Survey Days We’re approaching a major milestone: 100 days of seal surveys. The project is now in month 16 of its two-year plan, and every day adds to our understanding of seal behaviour. So far, we’ve logged 96 days in the field and counted over...