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 Amber, my latest drone observer intern. Read on to hear her reflections on the role! The advertisement for the drone survey internship had come across my emails a few times. During these times I was so eager to do it but not able to commit. I feel like these setbacks were fated for me to finally get the chance to assist with drone surveys during the perfect time of February to March when thousands of seals haul out on the site for us to behold. This really was the perfect opportunity at the perfect time. I was deep in the final weeks of completing my dissertati...