A drone delivery company has had to suspend operations in the suburbs of Canberra due to aerial threats from crows defending their territory.
The issue of birds swooping down from above is quite common in Australia. During the breeding season, species such as crows can attack individuals who come too close to their nests. Crows are known for this behavior and have even targeted delivery drones. In a video captured by Ben Roberts, a resident of the Harrison suburb of Canberra, a crow dives at a drone that is landing to deliver coffee. The drone is descending and preparing to drop off a package when, at that moment, the bird swoops in, clinging to the machine mid-air and pecking continuously.
The attack lasts for a few seconds. The drone’s propellers buzz as the vehicle tries to maintain balance. The crow quickly flies away, allowing the drone to lower the package using a tether. This isn’t the first time Roberts’ coffee packages have become targets for the flock. The birds have previously attempted to approach the drone and seem to know how to avoid the spinning propellers.
Drone suddenly attacked by a crow.
Canberra is currently under lockdown due to Covid-19, leading to a surge in drone delivery orders. Wing, a company specializing in drone operations, decided to halt activities in the Harrison area while awaiting ornithologists to assess the behavior of the crows in relation to the incident experienced by Roberts. A representative from Wing stated that some crows are exhibiting territorial behavior and the company wants to minimize its impact on the birds’ lives.
According to ornithologist Neil Hermes, crows typically attack anything that comes close to their nests. Therefore, he believes Wing’s decision is very reasonable while authorities consider the situation.
