Ornithologists nationwide are expressing growing concern about the disruptive effects of drones on the emotional and physical development of young eagles. Adolescent eagles, like their human counterparts, are increasingly interested in new technology, experts say, and want what their contemporaries have. Why should they leave the comfort of the nest to hunt for food when they can see drones flying around to find what looks like delicious prey on the ground-—small dogs and cats in particular? Who wants to sit in a treetop or on a lightpost, buffeted by snow and wind, hoping to spot a quick meal, when a drone could buzz around for them and locate any warm-blooded snack they desire?
Here in Harvard, eagle watchers have noticed this phenomenon playing out in nests clearly visible near Bare Hill Pond. Just barely adequate for a growing family, these nests are scenes of increasing discord as the young loudly signal their displeasure and disinclination to fend for themselves. “Everybody else has a drone,” they whine, and they want one too. And they don’t want to hear parental squawking about how it used to be in the old days. Old-fashioned hunting is for losers, they boldly squawk back, rolling their sharp eagle eyes in unison.
Experts agree it’s only a phase, and drone owners hope that’s the case. Eagles are notoriously touchy about aerial encroachment on their territory and they are not known to be kind to their enemies.
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