birds of a feather or bandits a 12 O'clock

[sleepingsquirrel]

I've been back in the air more in the last 6 months and see numbers of birds that I don't remember from say 16 years ago. Other information leads me to believe bird strikes are on the increase, or is it the same as always just better communication .

Has any one studied this maybe as a result of better environmental policy, chemical control,....?

[scottfromiowa]

I had to dodge a couple of flying squirrels last week...on second thought they were ultra-lites without com radios.

[skyking]

Squirrel: According to to Transport Canada and the FAA bird strikes are not on the increase just the reporting of them.

The media seems to have a lot more interest in them since a bunch of geese sent Sullys plane into the Hudson.

[sleepingsquirrel]

Well, thanks that is good to know. It's hard to believe that flying in the same area as a 60 year old I'm more cognizant of the bird population than when I was 16 years old. I guess I had more important things on my mind back then.

Scott, anyone  I know ?

[scottfromiowa]

One was brown, one was grey and they both had beady eyes and bad teeth...

[M20F]

Looks more like a racoon than a squirrel :-)

[sleepingsquirrel]

Quote: scottfromiowa

One was brown, one was grey and they both had beady eyes and bad teeth...

[takair]

http://www.birdstrikecontrol.com/news/birdstrike_news/faas-bird-strike-database-goes-public/

Could it be that more big birds are protected now.  It feels like I have more close calls than ever before.  A friend has had 4 strikes in two seperate events, just in the past year. 

[sleepingsquirrel]

" It feels like I have more close calls than ever before. "

Same here.

[Hank]

Remember--birds will dive if you get too close, so always aim above them.

[scottfromiowa]

In Iowa there are LOTS of wind farms.  The birds are used to seeing BIG spinning props.  They look at our little props and keep on coming.  Seriously I fly in areas with high concentrations of hawks, waterfowl and have had several close calls.  I have always had birds "dive" regardless of species when they are aware of my plane in proximity.  Don't shake hands with that friend with four strikes...you don't want that rubbing off on you.  That is some bad MoJo...

[WardHolbrook]

Quote: Hank

Remember--birds will dive if you get too close, so always aim above them.