Birds

[RedBaron2]

I try to avoid birds whenever possible. However, sometimes you get a surprise. My only encounter was in northern Idaho along US-95. Near the end of my flight, I learned later that a black bird decided to fly under my M2P. Could not attach the video.

 

[MA2 317]

I need to find out how to load the video on here

Could not attach the video.

Create a YouTube or similar account and upload your videos there.

Copy / Paste the URL link in your post.

The link will change to a thumbnail after you post.

Pictures may be directly uploaded to the Forum, but not video.

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[WilliamDaugherty]

My experience is just one person but I think it has value. I have had numerous conflicts with birds over the last decade of flying drones. Swallows were a terrible nuisance, especially in the Midwest. Never had a collision with one but it ruins any attempts at video when they are swarming. I did have a Mini3Pro knocked down by a Cooper's Hawk. I had no idea what had happened until I watched the secondary recording on the controller. Sure enough, it went through the frame once then about 5 seconds later there was a flash of talons and down it went. I was doing a recovery search in a wetland so that drone was lost. Later that same year I had bald eagles chasing me on about half a dozen occasions and it was a very unpleasant experience. That's when I tried the reflective tape. I have had no further bird issues of any kind...until two days ago when a hawk flew right toward the camera of my Mini5Pro. It is worth noting this aircraft does not yet have tape on it.

So, aircraft that I own with the tape have been bird-free for about three years while this new drone was not immune to a raptor's close attention. Is anecdotal evidence the weakest kind? Yes. Is it still evidence? Yes. Will I be adding the red prismatic tape to the Mini 5 Pro? Without a doubt.

These are the facts of my experience. While not conclusive evidence of the efficacy of prismatic tape, it seems pretty compelling to me.

 

[MS Coast]

While not conclusive evidence of the efficacy of prismatic tape, it seems pretty compelling to me.

I can offer another anecdotal data point of equal questionable value.

I've flown a dozen drones over the last several years and I've never had a bird contact my drone or threaten it, despite flying frequently in the presence of bird species ranging from curious hummingbirds and swallows to hawks, vultures, gulls, ospreys, wading birds, and the occasional Bald Eagle.

It is true that prismatic reflective tape would make it easier to spot a drone lost in a tree, tall grass, or bushes, especially when searching at night with a bright flashlight. That's easy to confirm.

 

[Peterthe1]

Hi. I think the flashing white strobe lights definitely make a difference. I fly M30's at work. These come standard with top and bottom flashing beacons. I always have the beacons on when flying and the Wedgetails and other birds of prey don't come near the drone but circle from a distance. Even crows stay away but when the lights are off the birds will have a lot more interest in the drone and get a lot closer. I think it's flashing light messes with their eyes, similar to us being blinded by a flash. Birds eyes are a lot more sensitive than ours so this constant bright flashing light may be making the difference.