A Firsthand Experience During Breeding Season
As drone pilots, we’re always aware of potential risks—technical failures, weather conditions, and airspace regulations. And one (un)expected challenge took us by surprise: an aggressive Oystercatcher launching an aerial assault on our drone. This firsthand account highlights our experience flying during the bird breeding season in the Netherlands and what pilots need to watch out for, especially during Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) operations where you don't hear or see bird coming in.
DJI Mavic caught by a bird attack
The Unexpected Encounter
It started as a routine flight. We were conducting a test mission over open terrain when, out of nowhere, a Oystercatcher began circling our drone. At first, it seemed curious, but within seconds, its movements became more aggressive. The bird dived at the drone multiple times, getting closer and louder each time it dived. Clearly, it saw our UAV as an intruder in its nesting territory.
As we closely observed its behavior, wondering if it would actually strike, the unexpected happened—it did. The Oystercatcher made direct contact with our drone, causing visible damage to the both of them. Luckily, we were flying low and nearby, allowing us to land the drone safely. What surprised us was that despite the impact, both the bird and the drone were still able to fly. It was a stark reminder of how real the risk of bird strikes is, especially during breeding season - They will strike.
Understanding the Oystercatcher’s Behavior
Oystercatcher are known for their territorial nature, especially during the breeding season. They fiercely defend their nesting sites from perceived threats, whether it’s other birds, humans, or in this case, drones. Our encounter wasn’t unique—many pilots have reported similar threats or attacks, particularly in areas with high Oystercatcher populations.
The Risks for Birds and Drones
For the Birds: Stress and exhaustion from defending their territory could impact breeding success. In some cases, birds might injure themselves by colliding with drones.
For the Drones: Mid-air collisions with aggressive birds could lead to crashes, damage, or even loss of the UAV, especially during BVLOS operations where situational awareness is limited.
Lessons Learned & Best Practices
From this experience, we’ve adapted our approach to drone flying during breeding season:
Pre-flight Awareness: Research breeding zones and avoid flying too close to nesting areas.
Maintain Safe Altitudes: Flying higher reduces the chance of disturbing territorial birds.
Monitor Wildlife Behavior: If birds show signs of distress, immediately adjust flight paths or abort the mission.
Consider Alternative Locations: If an area is known for aggressive bird activity, relocating your mission might be the safest option.
Keep moving: As long as the UAV is moving the bird might only be ceasing it. Maybe it is in the assumption that the bird is doing a good job on scaring you away.
Extra Caution for BVLOS Flights: Since bird interactions may not be visible at first doesn't mean bird aren't there at all.
Conclusion:
Our experience with the Oystercatcher was a valuable lesson in drone flying. By staying aware of wildlife behavior and adjusting flight operations accordingly, we can minimize disturbances while ensuring both bird safety and drone integrity. If you're flying during the breeding season, especially BVLOS, be prepared for unexpected encounters and always prioritize responsible piloting. What is your experience or did you find a way to keep the birds away from your operations? Please let us know, as this might help us all.
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