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Falcons And Drones Deployed To Monitor Rooftop Nests In Order To Protect Seagulls

PACIFIC GROVE (CBS SF) _ A California seaside community plans to deploy drones to record video of rooftop nests that need to be removed to protect seagulls.

The Monterey Herald reports that business property owners have until Feb. 20 to remove the birds' nests on their buildings or face fines.

Seagulls are a federally protected species and can't be disturbed once they settle into nests and lay eggs.

A few falcons will also be released by trainers to sweep over rooftops too. Officials say the idea with the raptors and drones is to give the birds a safe place to lay their nests.

Once the drone video is in, property owners will be sent photos of the nests and told to remove them.

Officials say drones and raptors will not fly over residential areas.

© Copyright 2015 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

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