10/04/2026
THIS IS THE TIME OF YEAR I LOOK FORWARD TO
As a thermal drone pilot, thereās a reason I look forward to seeing those leaves start to dry up and fall.
A thermal camera cannot see through leaves. During full leaf cover, we may only catch a glimpse of a dog through a small opening in the canopy. Thatās why spring and summertime searches can require so many different angles, altitudes, and repeated passes.
But now the leaves are starting to dry, shrink, and fall.
Every opening that develops in that canopy gives us another opportunity to see the heat signature underneath.
Thatās exactly what this picture represents.
Full leaf cover: We may only get a small glimpse of the animal through an opening.
Leaves down: We can see much more of the forest floor and get a much clearer look at the animal below.
Add in the cooler nights and better thermal contrast, and fall and winter can give us a tremendous advantage when searching wooded areas.
It doesnāt mean we can see through everything. Pines, evergreens, and extremely heavy cover can still present challenges. But as those deciduous leaves disappear, thermal drones become even more effective tools for locating lost pets.
For anyone with a pet missing in woods, fields, or difficult terrain, this is an important seasonal advantage to know about.
More openings. Better visibility. More opportunities to bring them home.
Recovery Through Experience.
