Hi All,
Does anyone have experience with filming birds in flight?
Im interested in any experience you guys might have. Which drone, settings, precautions etc.
I’m very conscious of not distressing the wee beasties but the owner feels it’s worth a go at getting something recorded as the 2 birds in question are very used to free flight in busy areas.
I was considering using the Avata 2 on its highest res and fps.
TiA
I’ve chased a few kites, with my self builds. Not an easy task to get smooth footage because they really don’t like the sound of the props and they make sharp evasive manoeuvres resulting in extremely jerky footage.
Probably very able, I used the DJIFPV to chase some swans
First off, what species of bird?
One’s that fly Darren 
Some birds species are protected all year round. Fancy chasing a peregrine falcon about during nesting season to see if you get in trouble? Perhaps a Golden or Sea Eagle?
Chaffies and LBJ’s probably not a problem.
I can see scope for tracking an ostrich with a drone. Fast fucks them birds … but none near me, or I’d give it a go. 
Might be an idea to introduce the birds slowly to the drone, so they get used to it being in the air with them. Like a bit of avian training. Depending how tame they are it might take a few sessions or more till they’re used to the drone. 
I know a couple that dont fly and can’t run very fast, so perfect for first time filming. I think their names are sandra and tracey? Although you might lose your drone in a crack or two?
In all seriousness, small birds will disappear very quick. As will your pigeons. All corvids, I have found will fuck off pretty quick too. Oyster cathcers will hang about, but only while they work out how to destroy your drone. Gulls are a mixed bag and you’ll need to take your chances, some are super aggressive, some don’t give a fuck. I’d stay away from any protected species, although I find red kites pretty tolerant. If you see peregrines circling above you? Its time to move on as they’re looking for a meal, and your drone is it. If you see golden eagles? You’re well away from vlos
Ooh I know San and Tracy. They’ve got a regular column in Viz magazine.
Some manner of big assed tame parrot. A pair infact.
The owner takes them to local parks to let them fly off and around the area. They always seem to come when called.
Yes, i did figure some introduction to drones thing might be in order. If they reach badly ill just forget about the idea.
I did know a bunch of the nicer birds are protected. Schedule 1 i think its called?
Except seagulls… those bastards try to steal my chips and dump on my windscreen so as far as im concerned they are fair game. 
Either way, ild be waring at this time of year as lots of wild species are looking to nest etc.
I did some kite filming with my mini 3, took a bit of setting up with the gain and expo tuning, not sure about the avata but I found the mini 3 needed quite a lot of expo on the rates to get smooth footage when the kites were going straight but also keep them in shot when they turned quickly. Tricky to get right but good fun 
I had a very close call experience with a kestrel on the weekend. Just flying my self build a few metres in front of me maybe a metre or so from the ground just practicing tricks when this kestrel just swoops down from behind me at my drone realises it wasn’t edible and does some amazing acrobatics to avoid it, but it is amazing to see how effectively they hunt even if you are the one being hunted!
I wouldn’t admit to that. 
I was thinking if it would be worth using a mini 4 with goggles and prop guards.
The 4 certaining seems a bit quieter, certaining a lower pitch than the avata so might freak the birdies out a little less.
All species of Gulls are protected under the Wildlife & Countryside Act. Not unless you have been issued a general licence under certain conditions as an authorised person to destroy them.
Whoa there.
I was purely talking about annoying them with a drone after they steal my chips or other light hearted justification.
As with any animal, imo there are very very few, specific circumstances i’ld consider ‘destroying’ them if appropriate professionals were not available.
I wasn’t pulling you up on it I was just saying they are protected. 
My experience with gulls is not a happy one, and I know they’ll fight each other for chips. They seem ok if they’re on their own, but dangerous to drones when they are mob-handed and showing off to each other.
For filming birds in flight, I’d suggest using zoom if you’ve got it, and pace the bird from the side where it can see where the whirlywhizz noise is coming from. Edge in slowly, and keep going unless the bird reacts, then climb vertically at speed.
I thought i might have given the wrong idea for a minute then.
I appreciate the advice. I didnt know gulls were protected. I’ll have a google at some point