“Growers don’t really have a good tool they can rely on for deterring pest birds at an affordable price,” explains Manoj Karkee, an associate professor at the university’s Department of Biological Systems Engineering who led the research. “With further refinement and industry partnerships, this system could work,” he adds.

Over years of experimenting the scientists have developed a camera system (similar to those used in drone-assisted package deliveries) and a computer algorithm that enable small drones operating on their own to locate birds and count them as they fly into and out of observed fields.

The current generation of drones can also be programmed to scare off intrusive birds by hovering around them and making whirring noises.

In one field study drones reduced the number of pesky birds in a vineyard fourfold, the scientists say; however, they add, the long-term efficiency of the system will still need to be checked.

“Birds are really clever. They often find ways around deterrents. We don’t want a system that only lasts for a few months or years before they stop being scared off,” Karkee explains.

That is why future models could also emit sounds like the calls of predatory birds for greater efficiency.

“We could make drones look like predators, or have reflective propellers that are really shiny,” the scientist elucidates. “All of these working together would likely keep birds away from those vineyards and fields. We need to research that over multiple years to make sure.”

That said, the scientist stresses, “the results so far are exciting.”