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A surprising twist to a photographer’s peaceful landscape shoot in Cyprus turned into an unforgettable moment of nature’s raw power.
Rafaelos Markitanis, a photographer and filmmaker, was flying his drone to capture the breathtaking views of a sluice gate when an unexpected visitor appeared — a Bonelli’s eagle. In a stunning moment caught on camera, the mighty raptor swooped in and attacked the drone mid-air, seemingly out of nowhere.
The encounter, which Markitanis shared on social media, was both shocking and thrilling. “As I was filming the beautiful landscape, my drone was suddenly struck by a Bonelli’s eagle. The impact was dramatic, but fortunately, neither the bird nor the drone were harmed,” Markitanis wrote in his post.
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While the eagle’s aggressive behavior might be surprising to some, Markitanis made it clear that he holds no ill will toward the majestic bird. “The birds I know feed on smaller animals like birds and reptiles,” he added. “Above all, we love nature and the creatures that live in it.”
The post quickly caught the attention of wildlife enthusiasts and drone fans alike, with many commenting on the rare and extraordinary nature of the incident. Though attacks on drones by birds of prey are not entirely unheard of, this close encounter was unique in its documentation.
Eagle attacks on drones have been reported before, especially in areas where large birds of prey, like the Bonelli’s eagle, patrol their territory. These birds are known for their hunting instincts, and anything in the sky — especially something that resembles a potential threat — could trigger a defensive strike.
Markitanis, however, was lucky this time. Both he and the bird escaped the interaction unscathed, but the moment stands as a reminder of how unpredictable and raw nature can be.
As for the drone, despite the impact, it continued its flight after the encounter, capturing the incredible footage that was originally intended.
