Birds are not a new phenomenon and have been flying around the skies for quite some time. They are also able to see and avoid helicopters which they usually do.
UAV use has grown at an enormous rate in the past 12 months alone. Not all are operated by responsible individuals. I fly SAR and they are becoming an added distraction in the low-level environment. An average day in London will have 20+ drones flying at up to 600'.
One was recently spotted at night operating near our airfield by the crews using NVG. It is only a matter of time before irresponsible use causes an accident. Was not Gatwick closed last week due to a near miss?