North Dakota sunflower producers face a dilemma when it comes to blackbirds (Icteridae). Migrating flocks produce localized damage to production, which results in some farmers with no bird issues, while others face total economic losses. A dynamic and humane crop protection tool is necessary to reduce blackbird damage in this broad-scale agriculture setting, as damage is actively occurring, while considering the protected status of blackbirds. This study examined a novel tool, unmanned aircraft systems (hereafter, UAS), through the lens of a social evaluation of farmers’ opinions and the biological impact on blackbird flock behavior. Farmers were very willing to allow a variety of UAS operations on their property, but willingness was dependent on age, farming generation, prior blackbird damage and preventative efforts. Time of day and flock size were important factors for perception of risk toward UAS by blackbird flocks, and 52% of the flocks abandoned due to UAS hazing.