Flight Crew Air Transport Pilot (ATP); Flight Crew Multiengine; Flight Crew Instrument
Flight Crew Total 2391
Aircraft Equipment Problem Critical; Inflight Event / Encounter Bird / Animal
Air Traffic Control Provided Assistance; Aircraft Aircraft Damaged; Flight Crew Landed in Emergency Condition; Flight Crew Returned To Departure Airport; General Maintenance Action
Environment - Non Weather Related
I made takeoff call outs as normal through rotation. As I retracted the landing gear; I noticed the captain slow our climb rate and point outside. I looked to our 1-2 O'clock position and noticed a flock of Canada geese; approximately 8 in number; flying in our direction. The captain lowered the nose to attempt to fly below the flock; but there was not enough distance and the flock passed directly above the flight deck windows. This was immediately followed by the sound and sensation of impact(s); and the smell of burning meat. We immediately [advised ATC]; and returned to ZZZ; conducting an overweight landing per SOP.Cause: Geese coloration blending in with MVFR overcast conditions; and insufficient time to react once flock was sighted.
ERJ First Officer reported that a bird strike on takeoff resulted in a return to the departure airport.