It’s a fight for real estate on the beach. A conflict between the city and Mother Nature.

City agencies have expanded their use of drones in recent years and Rockaway residents said they have noticed an increase in the number of drones taking flight, whether it's for shark sightings or rescue operations at the beach.

However, the modern technology is creating some confusion among the local wildlife, despite efforts by the NYPD and FDNY to ensure their safety.

“This is their home, and they’ve been here forever,” said Andrew Oakley, who was surfing at Rockaway Beach on Saturday.

City officials and some Rockaway community members warned the drones have ruffled a few feathers as flocks of birds have repeatedly swarmed the devices, forcing the NYPD and other city agencies to adjust their flight plans.

“If it’s actually helping people, and saving lives, I see the value, but if they’re [drones] just causing a nuisance, and aren’t really producing the results, then yeah, absolutely, the wildlife should be protected,” said Shayna Weingast.

Meanwhile, some residents believe drones shouldn’t be used to patrol city beaches at all.

“I think using drones to look for sharks is ridiculous, obviously there’s sharks in the ocean,” said Oakley. “We need to protect the environment for sure.”

City officials said most of these angry bird incidents involve the American oystercatcher, which have nesting sites in the sand along Rockaway Beach this time of year.

“I don’t see the drones doing that much to help out on the beach, I haven’t seen that many of the rescue drones really rescue that many people,” said Xander Lefleur.

The drones come equipped with inflatable life rafts that can be dropped on distressed swimmers, though no rescues have been performed by doing so thus far.

Though, the devices did spot their first shark on Thursday, which resulted in the closure of most of Rockaway Beach.

FDNY Commissioner Laura Kavanagh said the department’s crews are always looking for ways to evolve the technology, while aiming to protect the birds.

"As soon as we realized that we might have been close to a habitat which would have been causing that behavior, we were able to adjust. And that’s happening frankly every day with that technology whether it is for that reason, or it’s because where the beachgoers are or because we are seeing new wildlife in the water,” she said.

No birds have been harmed, but officials say there have been several close calls.

“I think there’s probably a balance to be struck, I think nature and wildlife is very important, but, you know, peoples’ safety is also important,” said Weingast.

Mayor Eric Adams has also expressed his support for drone usage at beaches, especially as the city struggles with a lifeguard shortage.

And while wildlife advocates acknowledge that drones improve water safety, they believe the technology should be used in a way that works for all New Yorkers, including those with feathers.