Re: my last post regarding evasive action by birds; in an earlier life, I
had my LNC2 hangared in the LA basin within just a couple of miles of the
ocean. Seagulls were a threat - however, most of the pilots in the area kept
their landing lights on to help with the "see and be seen" stuff for other
pilots. Don't know if it's one of those urban legends but it seems that the
birds took notice of the lights too. More than once, I've seen a seagull
directly in front of me fold his wings and drop like a brick. Not suggesting
that you all keep your lights on all the time, but if in an area that is
known for a high number of birds (such as the coastal regions) the cost of
replacing an overused light is far less than taking a hit.

Incidentally, also in a previous life, I worked on the B-1 project and one
was lost to a bunch of high-flying geese in the migration fly-way in the
middle of the US - if I remember, a bunch got sucked into the engine intakes
and overwhelmed all four engine's ability to digest individual strikes.

Bottom line: you folks flying in the flight levels, be aware! In some areas
of the country, you can be as vulnerable as those of us who fly further
down.

Dan Schaefer