While flying my
M2Z yesterday for the 2nd time, something flashed across the screen while at about 150 ft high. Upon reviewing my video frame by frame to determine what it was, it appears to be an Io (Hawaiian Hawk) that flew by to check out the drone while in flight. Fortunately, it left me alone but this reminded me that they do live at my elevation (on the Big Island of Hawaii) so I guess all I can do it cross my fingers from here on out. It only appeared on 3 of the video frames so here's the best one. Up until now I thought I'd only have to watch out for trees.
I have had many hawk encounters; my most frightening experience was a full out dogfight with an exceptionally large (and pissed off) hawk. I was flying in Southwest Idaho in the Owyhee mountains. I was in a very remote area with my wife who was my VO, not that I thought I needed one.
I was filming a rock tower, doing a circular pattern when out of the corner of my eye was a large shadow flash. I look up to see this large hawk full dive bombing the
Mavic 2, just as my wife is alerting me WATCH OUT! Needless to say, I had to go into TOPGUN mode... seriously. My heart dropped when I realized what was occurring, in a moment I threw the drone into sport mode and cranked that sucker into overdrive. I zigged and zagged, all while trying to descend. This bird was on me like flies on... well you know ; ) it tried to attack me for a full minute and a half before I could get away. Thankfully, I had a full battery and a bit of luck. These birds here are fast and territorial, and nearly the size of eagles. 'Birds of Prey' as they are referred to.
Anybody on this thread from Eastern Oregon, Eastern Washington and Southwest Idaho knows what I am talking about.
Here is my advice to anyone trying to dogfight with a bird of prey.
1. Keep calm
2. Throw it into 'sport mode'
3. Fly like you have never flown
4. Do not try to ascend or descend as the DJI drones are slow when attempting to do this. It may slow your overall speed.
5. Straight lines and then attempt hard angled turns, DO NOT LET OFF THROTTLE! Get away from their area and fly to your LZ.
6. Leave area to the birds.
7. Find toilet paper from truck to go clean yourself.