I've often seen birds close up while flying , even at altitude. Today I got closer than any of us would like to get. I hit a bird while taking off from my lake. If you're going to hit a bird why not make it something noteable...like a mature bald eagle. Several eagles and turkey vultures suddenly took off from the fish gut pile they were feeding at on the shore and flew into my takeoff path as I climbed through about 30' altitude. I tried to deke around them, but one hit my left wing. Good thing it didn't come through the prop and windshield. The leading edge cuff, two ribs and some skin will have to be replaced. It could have been worse.

Unfortunate eagle


Damaged wing

Good thing that didn't happen in the states. They'd give you jail time. What can you do heh? He's a goner.

EB

Big Bird.

Did it taste like chicken?

This happened right in front of a fishing lodge and some people who were watching me take off saw the bird strike and went out in a boat to collect the eagle which was floating on the water. It had a leg band on it so they called the local Natural Resources office and a biologist drove to the lodge to pick up the bird.

It probably tastes more like loon than chicken so they can keep it.

Well I'll just tell you that's something insurance will cover! Me and birds aren't on good terms still after my duck strike in April!

[quote="nofate"]The leading edge cuff, two ribs and some skin will have to be replaced. It could have been worse.

Unfortunate eagle


It looks like he will need more than that. I think he's dead.

Too bad you cant keep the bird and have it stuffed!

Of course, I would never consider keeping eagle feathers, the talons or skull...

Who ended up with it?

tcj wrote:

nofate wrote:The leading edge cuff, two ribs and some skin will have to be replaced. It could have been worse.

Unfortunate eagle


It looks like he will need more than that. I think he's dead.

Hehhehhehheh. My kind of humor. Thanks

TCJ I laughed so hard I nearly peed.

OregonMaule wrote:

Now thats funny.