So I had a run-in with a hawk today while flying my drone. Any tips on what to do in this kind of situation? Anyone else ever have a similar experience?
That’s actually an American Kestrel, which is technically a falcon. They’re known for being territorial. Hope both the bird and your drone are alright!
Parker said:
That’s actually an American Kestrel, which is technically a falcon. They’re known for being territorial. Hope both the bird and your drone are alright!
Good catch! 
Yikes! Did you remember the golden rule—‘put it in Sport mode and climb as fast as you can’?
Maybe your drone’s last image? 
That’s a beautiful kestrel.
Cass said:
That’s a beautiful kestrel.
Yep, definitely not a hawk—it’s a kestrel.
Wow, man… how did it end up?
Just gotta hit Sport mode and go straight up!
Hello to the bird! 
That’s so awesome!
Next time, just photoshop some mini-missiles on your drone. 
Abort mission! 
What do you even do in a situation like this?
Whether it’s a hawk or a kestrel, that’s an amazing shot. One day, I hope I can get one just like that. Cheers! 
That bird’s coming in hot! 
Seriously though, awesome picture—you should totally print and frame it.
A strobe light might’ve helped avoid this situation.
Harmon said:
A strobe light might’ve helped avoid this situation.
Actually, no it wouldn’t.
Harmon said:
A strobe light might’ve helped avoid this situation.
Actually, no it wouldn’t.
Well, I volunteered at Idaho Birds of Prey for a few years and we used strobes on racing pigeons to reduce hawk attacks by 90%. Plus, DJI even suggests using a small strobe on their drones to avoid attacks. You can look it up.
@Harmon
You got me—I’m not really an ornithologist.