Eyes in the Sky (and Sand in My Boots): My Drone Survey Internship at the Ythan Estuary by Max Campbell

The 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 Max, read on to hear his reflections on the role!  

"When I first saw an email advertising a drone survey internship at the Ythan Estuary, I didn’t hesitate. I already fly drones, I study Wildlife and Conservation Management, and the idea of spending time on a beach watching seals sounded significantly better than being indoors staring at spreadsheets. What I didn’t fully appreciate at the time was just how much early mornings, sand, and careful note-taking would be involved.

 

sunrise at the estuary 

Over the course of six weeks, I took part in a drone-based seal survey internship led by Claire Stainfield, focusing on monitoring seal populations and movement along the beaches of the Ythan Estuary. The aim of the work was to collect accurate data on seal distribution while minimising disturbance, something drones are particularly well suited for when used responsibly. From above, seals can be counted and observed far more effectively than from the ground, especially across wide, tide influenced stretches of beach.

 

aerial view

While I didn’t pilot the drone myself, I was involved in the supporting fieldwork that makes these surveys possible. My role focused on recording data during flights, including abiotic factors such as wind speed and temperature, as well as noting human presence on the beach (dog walkers, walkers without dogs, and the occasional person poking and prodding at what we were doing). These small details are essential when interpreting wildlife data, and it quickly became clear that seals don’t exist in isolation from people, weather, or the environment around them.

 

essential notes

The Ythan Estuary itself made for an unforgettable workplace. Field days were dictated by tides, weather conditions, and whether the wind felt merely unpleasant or actively determined to blow the drone out the sky. Flexibility was key. Plans changed often, and learning to adapt on the fly (sometimes literally) was a major part of the experience.

 

sun appearing from the water

One of the highlights was seeing seal haul-outs from an aerial perspective. From the ground, individuals can blend into the beach surprisingly well. From the drone imagery, patterns in spacing, group size, and movement became immediately obvious. It was a strong reminder of how much perspective matters in ecological surveying and how technology can reveal patterns that might otherwise be missed. At time when I looked down from the observation post and though "hm, that looks like 100 or less" and to be told there were easily two-hundred in that area was always a surprise.

 

counts from above

Looking back, this internship combined several things I’m passionate about: wildlife conservation, fieldwork, and the practical application of technology (flying drones). I feel it has strengthened my confidence in real-world survey settings and confirmed my interest in wanting to include more modern tools, like drones, into conservation practice. It also taught me that no matter how advanced the technology, you will still spend a lot of time standing in the cold, freezing your fingers into icicles waiting for the drone batteries to warm up, writing things down, counting dogs and even talking to some of the people on the beach about what we were doing. It was all worth it in the end.

 

seals along the high tide mark

Overall, my time at the Ythan Estuary was challenging, rewarding, and genuinely enjoyable. It provided valuable experience, practical skills, and a deeper appreciation for how innovative methods can support wildlife conservation, even if they do come with sand filled boots as standard."