Use of thermal camera-equipped drones to improve breeding surveys for Salish Sea harlequin ducks

Led by Robert Blenk, California Polytechnical Institute, Humboldt

This project uses drones equipped with thermal cameras to improve non-invasive survey methods for harlequin ducks breeding in remote streams, where traditional foot-based surveys are difficult, risky, and often effort-intensive to the point of infeasibility. By comparing drone surveys with standard ground methods, we will develop a more accurate, efficient, and safer way to estimate populations, identify important breeding areas, and provide state and Federal agencies with an ongoing protocol to more easily implement surveys for this priority Salish Sea marine species.