Michael,

I'm really very happy for you that you were able to bring your F-4 back to ground with the limited damage. You have a story (with photos) that will entertain pilots for decades. (This one time, at band camp....whoops, sorry, that's something else.)

I've seen a bird-strike happen one other time. A buddy and I were flying at the RCACF field in Florida when, during a high speed pass, his Cyclone was impacted on the left wing leading edge by a sparrow. The wing cut the bird in two and other than some feathers and blood on the top and bottom of the wing, there was no damage to the aircraft. Too bad about the bird. RIP. He painted a bird symbol on the fuselage below the canopy. I suggested that he try not to make ace.

Jim