Hard to tell with the backlighting, but the last bird in the tree looks and acts more like a crow than a hawk. Plus flocking is more of a crow behavior that a hawk behavior.
Actually you are correct. As I looked back on it, those aren't Red-tails that soar over much of this area with huge wingspans. Some smaller bird, perhaps crows,, ravens etc.That said, the Red-tailed Hawks in Raleigh NC absolutely hunt in huge groups, up to over a dozen at a time. I have video of them, though not from the drone. Ibwas surprised to see them hunt this way, and when flying, they get more aggressive if I fly down when they track the drone. So far none have had any "direct" interaction with any of my drones, and I hope that never happens. No winners in that scenario.
You are correct.
I have been doing extensive commercial operations for power line/pole equipment where we are often attacked by birds of prey. The best move you can do is to climb straight up. Raptors can descend much better than ascending. It is a proven way to avoid a mid air with an aggressive bird.
That would be an interesting video. Hawks (sometimes several varieties) often gather to share a particularly strong thermal or terrain induced updraft, especially during migration season. But I've never seen them hunt cooperatively.
That is a Hawk. I'll leave the crow video in for context. Serves me right for posting when I'm half asleep
I believe that's exactly what I said after stupidly posting that in a thread about Hawks.
Apparently I'm also wrong that the birds we have an abundance of are Red-tailed Hawks. A bit of quick study indicates they're more likely Red-shouldered Hawks!
Had a Peregrine come after my drone once when I was near a bridge he was living on. Checked me out and moved on.
Osprey. I fly all the time where they are and never had one come at me. If you get near their nest it can happen, especially if female is on eggs or with chicks.
