Wow, I guess I have a new found respect for these guys, especially geese. Another pilot I was talking too said geese can dive pretty deep into water to fetch fish as well. Think about it... their body can go into water, generate enough lift from sea level to FL390, can handle temperature ranges from warm to approximately -50C (@ FL390), has lung capacity to breathe at FL390 and they have an advanced navigational system, etc.

It is clear that whoever designed these guys knew what they were doing!!! :)

Folks,
Many years ago a TAA (Australia) B737 had a snake strike at (from memory) about 8000'. Caused much mirth at the time, but it most definitely was not April 1.

It was a snake, because the remains were identified against the forward pressure bulkhead, having punched a large hole in the nose cone. It was never determined how it got there, opinions were divided between a bird surprised by Big Bird, and a willywilly ( small tornado like pipe) carrying the snake to height.

Around here, fish strikes have also been recorded ----- and not from very low flying.

Tootle pip!!