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 dissertation for my honours project which kept me in the
confines of my flat or the college library. This meant little time spent in the
outdoors and so this 6 week internship was exactly what I needed to get out in
nature and get away from my laptop.
I started out with a group survey where I was shown the ropes by the previous intern Chris. I was shown how to take down notes, set up for drone flights, and how to talk to members of the public who passed us by with intrigue. After this I would be heading out solo with Claire to record notes so I was grateful for the opportunity to learn more from those with previous experience before doing it myself.
The training shift went well and I
was then ready for my first official shift with this landing on a busy
Valentine’s day Saturday. Luckily, we had help from volunteer Vanesa to manage
the crowds and I managed to turn the survey into a Valentine’s date with my
partner coming along to see how the survey is done.
Volunteer Vanesa (left), assistant for
the day Cameron (middle) and Claire (right)
Unfortunately the start of my survey recording did not start out well with the survey having to be cancelled when we got to the site due to strong winds. However, we did get an amazing sight of many seals on the other side of the river with a guest appearance of one small seal on our side of the Ythan.
Many people passed us asking if we
were aware of the seal and if we were there to help it. After explaining we
weren’t but curious ourselves we headed over to make sure it was alright and
spoke to a member of the public who was observing it while waiting for BDMLR to
officially check it out. Once we came over at a safe distance it made its own
mind up to come over and check us out. Once we got our fill of adorable photos
and videos, we made our way back home after an unsuccessful survey but
successful seal photos added to our phones.
Curious seal on our side of the Ythan
estuary
After
this we had many bright and early surveys which took some getting used to. I
wasn’t used to waking up at half five in the morning but getting to the site
for a sunrise survey was exactly what I needed to start my mornings. The late
winter wind was still bitter and cold but the warmth of the early sun was
always welcomed and made a stunning backdrop for surveying the seals.
Sunrise on the Ythan
At
this time Claire also got a loan of a thermal imaging drone which made for even
more exciting data collection with clear depictions of the seals, the marks
where they had been laying recently, and recent footprints of people in the
area being picked up on the drone. These surveys continued throughout February
and before I knew it it was March with an exciting opportunity approaching with
surveying.
Claire
had let me know that the BBC were interested in filming her during a drone
survey for their programme Landward and to talk about the work she is doing
towards her PhD. This was definitely something I did not expect to come out of
helping intern for the surveys but it was an interesting day of filming and
getting to see how it all works when filming for a television programme. It was
certainly exciting to tell my friends and family that I would be spotted on TV
but it was even more exciting to show them what I had been getting up to and
how Claire’s work is so important for monitoring the seals at the beach.
Amber Anderson (left), landward presenter Shahbaz Majeed (middle) and Claire (right)
After this my time as intern was
coming to an end. We got the chance to carry out one last survey which was
another sunrise survey. This was a perfect way to end my time as the drone
intern and it finished just before my dissertation hand in which gave me time
to fully rest and relax during the Easter holidays.
Seal haul out in the morning
The
experience I had throughout my internship was incredible. Claire is amazing at
what she does and was able to answer every question and query I had about the
role, the seals, and the work she is doing for her PhD. This made every shift
fun and exciting and it really didn’t feel like a job. It was great to get
outdoors, see many seals, and learn more about them and what they get up to on
the beach. I can’t wait for the next time I can get back out there to see the
seals again!
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