the sun came out today on the Isle Of Wight so I thought I’d take my dji mini 4k to the end of Shanklin beach towards Luccombe. Its just outside the local airport zone so I though I’d get some manoeuvring practice in as I’m still quite new to the scene. Was having great fun until a bird strike which sent the drone spinning out of control onto a ledge. Walked at speed to the area with an obvious sweat on, only to find a very wet/clay supposed crash site. I found a route up and sank many times on my route through some pretty rugged terrain. I finally gave up when I nearly trod on an adder sunning itself (I hate snakes). I walked back along the beach to my car deflated but glad I didn’t sink in the mud or get bitten by a snake. I’m glad it was the cheaper dji mini 4k and not my new dji mini 5 pro or dji flip. Sat here at home with a beer, I look back on this situation as a lesson learned and something many new drone pilots experience. Luckily I found a brand new dji mini 4k on offer through a popular retailer for £189.
Covert rescue mission with the mini 5? 
As a newbie I think one lost drone is enough. 
How common are seagull strikes? I had to get a limited number of commercial aerial shots for a DIY store in Lowestoft recently and about 2 mins into the flight there were lots of shrieking gulls flying around. Having acquired the essential establishing shots and an arch, I decided to land my Mini 5 Pro. But I wonder what might have happened if I had continued.
I’m down by the coast 4/5 times a week and never have an issue with them. However it’s now the start of the mating season and i have noticed a couple of snappy gulls this past week and it could be related.
I hope this time you’ve considered purchasing DJI after-care and flyer away cover with your new drone .
Yes I will be using the dji care for the new dji mini 4k and the dji mini 5 pro which I haven’t activated yet 
Sorry to hear about your loss
On a positive, if you wanted to replace it
I have just seen the mini 4k is £189 in the Amazon spring sale.
Thats a bargain!!
Thanks Baggy, I’ve already bought a dji mini 4k for £189 from Currys. I’m due to pickup from my local store tomorrow evening. Its a bargain at that price. My intention is to use the cheaper version rather than my dji mini 5 pro to get my practice in until I’ve sussed out everything. Thanks for your reply .
The last time I checked if you’re going to purchase the after-care plan you must do this and activate it within 48 hours of registering the aircraft on your account .
If you have missed this 48 hour window then you have to send video evidence the Drone is still 100% perfect .
please refer to the DJI after-care in terms and conditions if you’re not aware of them .
Thanks .
Have you tried red props
Hi yes the dji mini 5 pro has not been activated yet and the mini 4k I’m picking up tomorrow hasn’t either. As far as I know its 48hrs from activation you have to confirm dji care refresh. Am I right in thinking this?
Hi Decca87, what do you mean by red props?
It’s not a proven method but some say red propellers reflective tape helps with gulls never tried it but worth a look up 
Ok thanks I will look into it. Getting some great advice from experienced pilots and enjoying this community. Never realised my sorry tale would generate such a positive response
Will look into it thanks
Lost my initial Mini 2SE to gulls, flock of the buggers, about a dozen of them, mobbed it all thecway down, poor little bugger never had a chance! I suspect that they were juveniles showing off to each other, just like human teenagers; this was after breeding season. Not had any bother before or since, but I’d watch out for noisy excited flocks that’ll have their danders up!
Avoidance, if they are closing in on you, is to go into sport mode and go vertically straight up. You can gain altitude faster than any bird, because they have to rise at an angle and change direction. Once you’re clear, get outta Dodge, land, and go over the pub!
Apparently (luckily so far I haven’t encountered any whily flying), Oystercatchers will always attack, and they are always mob-handed.
Great thanks. I saw Amy Creighton mention the head upwards solution on YouTube. Thanks for your reply