Comment by bGatti on June 24, 2009 at 9:53am

Way too cool!

Comment by Reto on June 24, 2009 at 11:43am

I fly thermal or slope together with the local prey birds on a regular basis. They come at first by simple curiosity, looking from near if the glider constitutes a potential threat. After this recognition without contact, they adopt the thermal flying pattern of the glider for some time. If thermal or slope condition is favorable, the pattern flying can go on for as long as 5-15 minutes before they leave. Mostly, contact is with a single bird, once in a while with more. I only once witnessed an "aerial attack" on my Easyglider in strong wind cliff sloping, the bird almost grabbing some EPP 4-5 times. But I inquired and the attack was in fact self-defense because it was nesting time in this rocky cliff area. If motor is avoided and no stupid chasing game started by the rc pilot, I think the bird may show respect for our rc flying thermal/slope skills. Let's show the same kind of respect for those magnificent flying creatures and avoid nesting times/areas by instructing ourselves about the birds habits.

Comment by Sean O'Connor on June 24, 2009 at 12:54pm

Another brave bird:

Comment by Jhon on June 24, 2009 at 1:52pm

im sure thats an EPP Eagle,

i aso want one! http://www.freewebs.com/eppeagle/

Comment by evilmacaw on June 24, 2009 at 2:37pm

Sean O'Connor *Hiflyer*,
African pied crow yes ?

Comment by OlivierD. on June 24, 2009 at 8:39pm

Well said Reto! The sky is theirs, we may borrow it from time to time but it's normal that they would be a little on edge while nesting.

Comment by Sean O'Connor on June 24, 2009 at 9:23pm

I think it's a Magpie. The photo was taken in New Zealand (Southland), so it's quite cold.

Comment by UFO-MAN on June 25, 2009 at 6:14am

Cool video! It looked like the Raptor was outmanouvred by the pilot. I hope the pilot didn't fly FPV with the camera accidentically pointing towards the tail of the airplane. In that case, very impressive flying skills!

UFO_MAN

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