Drones for sterilizing argentatus gull eggs in Mers-les-Bains

For three days, drones flew over the rooftops of Mers-les-Bains, in the Somme, as part of a new method implemented by the town for a seagull egg sterilization campaign.

Ricardo Boimare, in charge of the seagull egg sterilization project within the municipality, explains: “Previously, this operation was carried out by rope access technicians, but this method proved unsatisfactory. With this new technique, we no longer need the presence of the nest owner.”

“We received 87 reports in Mers-les-Bains,” say drone pilots Raphaël Dahan and Silvio Zuselli.

Maria Caprian, operations manager, describes the process: “The first step involves a reconnaissance flight with a drone to confirm the presence of a nest with eggs, which is then precisely geolocated.”

Another drone then intervenes to spray a product on the eggs that prevents the embryo from developing. “We use only vegetable oils, such as rapeseed or sunflower oil, which are completely safe for the birds,” adds Maria Caprian.

The operations are quick and efficient.

The birds can sometimes become aggressive and protective. “It has already happened that they attacked the drones or even us,” assure Raphaël Dahan and Silvio Zuselli.

A second intervention is scheduled in three weeks. In the meantime, residents can continue to report the presence of nests to the town hall.