Birds and drones conflict at New York City beaches.

Drones are being used to watch for sharks and swimmers in trouble at New York City beaches. However, shorebirds living on the beaches are attacking the drones, which worries wildlife experts.

The birds see the drones as threats to their nests and chicks, swooping and calling out at them. Even though no birds have been hurt, some have come close, and officials are worried about the drones' impact on endangered species.

One concern is that the drones could scare birds like elegant terns so much that they leave their nests and eggs behind. This already happened in San Diego when a drone crashed, and experts stress the need to understand how far drones need to be from bird habitats.

After the issue was raised, city agencies started talking to each other and agreed to fly the drones farther away from nesting areas. They're also learning about the lives of baby birds, which is not something they usually do.

While the drones are a new way to keep beaches safe, experts say it's important to make sure they don't harm the birds that also call the beach home. They believe the city should think about how to use technology in a way that benefits everyone, including wildlife.