Recently, a netizen posted that while birdwatching at the Nanhu Park in Yuhang, Hangzhou, they witnessed a drone filming wild cranes at close range. As the drone kept approaching, the cranes became angry and kicked the drone into the lotus pond, sparking a heated discussion.
According to the Urban Express, Ms. Fang, an eyewitness, stated that she saw three cranes at the park that day. As she was about to leave, a drone flew over, approaching the cranes at a distance of about 10 meters. Initially, the cranes ignored it, but when the drone turned and rapidly approached, it came within just 1 meter of the cranes.
“Almost getting in their faces, the larger crane was provoked, flapped its wings, took off, and kicked the drone with its claws,” said Ms. Fang. Many birdwatchers were surprised, not understanding why there was a drone flying so close, with even a slighter closer approach risking harm to the crane.
Birdwatching enthusiast, “Innkeeper,” also mentioned that the drone had repeatedly provoked the cranes. “The cranes initially evaded several times, but finally, unable to tolerate it any longer, let out an angry cry, flew into the air, and stomped the drone into the lotus pond!”
The video sparked discussions online, with many praising the cranes for their actions while some condemned the “despicable drone.” There were also concerns from netizens about the cranes potentially getting injured.
On the 22nd, a netizen named “HZ-花兒” posted a video response, stating that on the 21st, they revisited the lotus pond at Nanhu Park. According to their observation, “besides an old wound, one of the cranes did not appear to have any new injuries, which is truly fortunate.”
Cheng Guolong, Vice Chairman of the Zhejiang Bird Watching Association and leader of the West Lake Mandarin Duck Guard Team, explained that in early December, the cranes had flown to Wufeng Island and Nanhu Park. Due to an injury on one of the crane’s legs, possibly preventing it from flying far, they briefly stayed at Nanhu. He remarked, “It’s undoubtedly a protective instinct that led the cranes to bravely drive away the drone.”
According to the netizen “阿嶼很忙,” the crane family of three departed on the afternoon of the 21st.