FollowingGreyHeron

Today was the day. After weeks of training with the DJI Avata, first chasing chickens around and flying through the dry riverbed, I was ready for my ultimate test: following the elusive Grey Heron in Bishan Garden. The anticipation had been building for days, knowing exactly where to find him, perched quietly near the stream, ever watchful for his prey.
I made sure the Avata was fully charged and packed my essentials, including my trusty three-meter monopod-a makeshift retrieval tool for any misadventures in the bushes. The monopod had proven invaluable for those inevitable moments when the Avata ended up in places hard to reach, and if today’s flight took a detour into the greenery or near the stream, I was prepared.
Arriving at Bishan Garden, I made my way to the familiar spot where the Grey Heron usually waits, steady and focused, like a silent hunter. And true enough, there he was, perched gracefully, his keen eyes scanning the water below. My heart raced with excitement. I slipped on the Goggle 3, gripped the controller, and took a deep breath. This was it.
With a quick launch, the Avata lifted smoothly into the air. The sensation of control and immersion was immediate, the familiar sights of the garden rushing past my view as I guided the drone toward my target. I kept my movements steady and deliberate, remembering all my practice-tracking speed, navigating obstacles, maintaining a respectful distance to avoid disturbing the heron.
My adrenaline spiked as I locked onto the heron’s elegant form, following each subtle shift in its stance. The challenge was exhilarating. Every small movement tested my reflexes, my understanding of the Avata’s capabilities, and my patience. The heron, in turn, seemed blissfully unaware of my presence, focused solely on its vigil by the water.
As I flew, I had to anticipate the heron’s every move, tracking carefully, adapting my speed and height to keep in sync. Each moment felt like a quiet dance between technology and nature, a testament to the countless hours of preparation and practice. And as the heron finally took to the skies, wings spread wide, I followed, capturing every breathtaking second of its flight.
This was the culmination of all those hours of training, each maneuver in the dry riverbed, each close call with a bush. Today, I had not only captured the heron but also felt the thrill of pushing my skills to the limit, embracing the harmony between drone and pilot.
Here’s to more adventures with the Avata-and to the unexpected moments that make every flight worth it.