The source of the disturbance, two dogs off the lead, splashed out into the water to disperse the last of the swimming gulls. The main causes of disturbance to shorebirds are people and their dogs. The use of drones in coastal areas may be a similar threat as birds often regard these in the same way as they do birds of prey. But training and use of a lead by the owner will ensure that, in sensitive areas, dogs can be controlled and disturbance avoided. These have the potential to reduce the pressure on waterbirds and other wildlife at important sites on the coast.
